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Key Things to Know About Hepatitis C

Key Things to Know About Hepatitis C

The hepatitis C virus primarily causes inflammation in the liver, and it affects an estimated 58 million people around the world. The hepatitis C infection can be chronic or acute, depending on the progression of the disease. This is one of the few viral infections that does not have a vaccination yet. However, it is possible to identify the signs, understand risk factors, and learn about preventive measures and treatments to manage the condition better.

Causes and risk factors
Hepatitis C spreads through contact, and a person can get infected in multiple ways. The infection from an already affected person can spread after coming in contact with their blood— through an organ transplant or by sharing personal grooming items. It is possible to contract the virus even while getting a tattoo if infected needles are used. Also, engaging in unprotected physical contact or mothers passing down the infection to the fetuses are possible modes of transmission. Earlier, there was also an elevated risk of contracting the virus through blood transfusion carried out for surgical procedures. However, it is not possible to transmit the virus by sharing food or coughing and sneezing. The transmission is also unlikely when an infected mother nurses a child. Any form of regular skin-to-skin contact does not cause the infection to spread.

Common symptoms
Symptoms of hepatitis C are broadly classified as chronic or acute depending on the progression of the disease. Acute hepatitis C takes up to 6 months to develop after one comes in contact with the virus. But the following symptoms may start to show up as early as two weeks after the affected person has been exposed:

Pain: Joint pain or stomach aches are common discomforts during the initial stages of the disease.
Fever: One may develop random bouts of fever as the virus starts affecting the immune system.
Changes in appearance: One can observe visible color changes in the eye where the white portion turns yellow. This change could also be seen in the skin, indicating jaundice risk as the disease progresses. The infection could also result in a rash or swelling and trigger irritations or lesions on the skin.
Nausea and fatigue: A persistent feeling of nausea, fatigue, and unexplained loss of appetite are all common signs of hep C infection.
Changes in bowel movement: Dark urine or pale gray stools can indicate that the infection is spreading rapidly.

Anywhere between 55% and 85% of people who contract the hepatitis C virus (HCV) tend to develop chronic hepatitis C. The symptoms will be similar to those experienced during the acute phase of the infection and will develop with increased intensity. With chronic hepatitis C, one is at a major risk of developing liver complications that trigger indigestion, swelling in the feet, skin problems, and cognitive problems affecting memory and concentration. At any point, if the symptoms begin to progress rapidly or cause unbearable discomfort, one should seek professional help.

Diagnosis
Routine blood sample collection and analysis is the first step in diagnosing HCV infection. A blood test will confirm the presence of antibodies in the bloodstream. Note that these antibodies take several months to develop, so there is a chance that the blood test may also show a false negative in the early stages of the disease. A follow-up PCR-based test can further confirm the presence of this disease in the bloodstream. As hepatitis C also affects the liver, doctors may recommend a liver biopsy. Here, a sample tissue of the organ is extracted for assessment under the microscope. If the tissue presents any abnormal traits, it could primarily indicate HCV infection. In addition to these tests, doctors also order a complete workup with liver function tests and genotype tests to identify the strain of the virus.

Treatment options
Multiple combinations of prescriptions can be given as a primary course of treatment to tackle the virus. These prescriptions are designed to target a specific enzyme or protein that may trigger complications linked to the progression of the viral disease. Certain oral prescriptions are designed to contain the virus and stop it from spreading within the body and are available in the form of liquids or tablets. A course of direct-acting antivirals is the next line of defense, as this option directly attacks and blocks the infection. Most types of prescriptions for managing an HCV infection work by preventing the infected cells from multiplying, helping contain the spread. In some cases, doctors also suggest the use of interferons along with direct-acting antivirals to counter the disease.

The primary objective of treatment is to help contain the virus from spreading and eliminate it from the bloodstream before other health complications begin developing. Prescriptions can result in multiple side effects, so doctors continually monitor the progress and modify the course to get desired results.

Preventive measures
A vaccine is yet to be developed for the complete cure and eradication of the hepatitis c virus. Till then, doctors recommend the following precautions to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the infection:

Healthcare professionals should use sterile gloves when treating open wounds, as viruses can directly spread with infected blood.
It is better to avoid sharing razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, and other personal grooming items with anyone, as there is no telling who may or may not be infected with the virus.
During treatments or even while getting a tattoo, one should ensure that the nurse or tattoo artist uses a fresh needle or syringe. Additionally, one should insist that the professionals use a new needle every single time.

If one observes one or more symptoms of the HCV infection, they should ensure regular doctor visits to get an early diagnosis and a suitable treatment plan.

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Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cell’s ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the body’s reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

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Everything to Know About Kidney Problems

For the body to stay healthy, it needs to be in a state of chemical balance and free of waste and toxins. Kidneys, a pair of fist-size organs, help the body remove excess fluids and filter waste through the urine. However, kidneys may stop working at their optimum capacity when affected by diseases or abnormalities, leading to waste and toxin buildup. To prevent these issues, one should know the signs and risk factors for kidney problems.  Understanding kidney diseases According to a study published in the Kidney International Supplements Journal, nearly 800 million people around the world suffer from chronic kidney disease. Each kidney has millions of nephrons, also known as filtering units of the body. Nephrons filter almost 200 quarts of fluid daily and remove it from the body in the form of urine, optimizing renal function. When the kidneys experience a gradual loss of function over time, it leads to chronic kidney or renal disease characterized by poor waste removal. The accumulated waste harms not only the kidneys but also other organs in the body. Unchecked chronic kidney disease may lead to kidney failure or complete loss of function of this organ. What causes kidney issues? Several factors put one at a higher risk of developing kidney diseases. These include environmental and genetic factors that hamper the functioning of the organs. Some of the most common causes of kidney problems are: Diabetes: According to the Journal of Nephropharmacology study, kidney disease is a serious complication of diabetes, affecting 20–40% of people with diabetes. This condition affects the blood circulation within the kidneys and leads to problems in filtration systems. High blood pressure: This condition weakens the blood vessels in the kidneys, affecting their ability to remove toxins and wastes from the body. Glomerular disease: This condition leads to inflammation in the kidney’s filtration units, known as glomeruli. It may lead to waste and protein buildup resulting in increased stress on the two organs. Congenital conditions: These are birth defects that cause problems with the functioning and form of the kidneys. Polycystic kidney disease: This is an inherited disease that leads to the formation of cysts in the kidneys. The cysts often multiply and become huge, interfering with the normal functioning of the organs. Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as lupus nephritis attack the body’s defense system leading to inflammation of the blood vessels in the kidney. This impacts their ability to filter waste. Other causes and risk factors: Certain unhealthy lifestyle habits, age, kidney stones, and dependence on prescription treatments can damage the kidneys in the long run. Signs of a kidney disease People experiencing the early stages of kidney issues may not exhibit any symptoms or may confuse them with the signs of other diseases. This is why most people get referred to a nephrologist only after their kidney function seems to have significantly declined. So, it is extremely important to recognize the early signs of such issues and immediately consult the doctor. Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night, blood in the urine, foamy urine, trouble sleeping, fatigue, low energy levels, trouble focusing, puffiness around the eyes, swollen ankles and feet, muscle cramps, poor appetite, darkening skin, high blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, itchiness, and shortness of breath. Diagnosis People affected by diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart conditions are usually monitored for kidney diseases. Everyone else should consider getting regular health checkups while also keeping an eye out for the warning signs and common symptoms. Doctors usually diagnose kidney issues using methods like a physical examination, blood and urine tests to check for excess proteins, electrolytes, and wastes, imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasound, and needle or open biopsy. Treatment While there is no permanent cure for serious issues like chronic kidney disease, certain conditions can be managed through treatment. If one’s declined renal function is a result of another health condition, the nephrologist will focus on treating that health problem. For instance, doctors may prescribe treatment for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, diuretics to relieve swelling in the body and eliminate excess fluids, and vitamin D supplements to prevent bone loss. For those experiencing advanced stages of chronic kidney disease, i.e., kidney failure, doctors opt for the following treatment options: Dialysis: This is a process of expelling waste from the body using a machine. Transplant: Here, a healthy kidney is placed into the patient’s body after being removed from the body of a living or deceased donor. Preventive measures Kidney problems not only lead to discomfort but also pose a serious health risk to the other organs in the body. Some complications that may arise from this condition include heart disease, anemia, weakened bones, low fertility levels, and poor immunity. There are many ways to prevent kidney disease and the serious health concerns associated with it. Here are some of them: Maintaining a healthy body by regulating eating habits and exercising regularly Reducing salt and protein in one’s meals Managing underlying conditions such as diabetes and heart problems, if any Increasing water intake to at least 2–3 liters every day Managing stress and getting a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep daily Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques Getting bladder infections treated as soon as possible Limiting one’s dependence on prescription treatment options and supplements One’s renal function is related to much more than just the expulsion of waste from the body. The kidneys also regulate blood pressure and red blood cells and help synthesize vitamin D for strong bones. Any damage to these organs leads to serious repercussions for one’s health. Understanding preventive measures and recognizing the signs of kidney disease can help one ensure that their kidneys stay healthy and disease-free.

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