Symptoms and Potential Complications of Hepatitis C

The first stage of the disease lasts up to two weeks. People experience fatigue, a low-grade fever, nausea and possible vomiting. They may suffer from a cough or nasal congestion and report muscle or joint pain—all common indications of a flu or cold. Some people have dark colored urine or clay-colored stools.

 

Five to ten days after the first stage of the disease begins, itching can occur, and a physical exam reveals a large, tender liver. Existing symptoms such as nausea and fatigue worsen. Jaundice may also occur at this stage.

Of all the hepatitis C symptoms, jaundice is perhaps the most noticeable. While nausea, fatigue and other vague symptoms can be dismissed as "just a touch of the flu," yellowing of the skin and eyes indicates that the liver is not functioning correctly.

Jaundice occurs when the liver fails to excrete the waste product bilirubin. Bilirubin builds up in the body and works its way into the skin, where its trademark yellow pigmentation can be seen. If you ever experience jaundice, consult a medical professional immediately.

Chronic hep C slowly damages the liver. The process can take decades, but constant hepatocellular inflammation eventually leads to cell death and the creation of scar tissue. Cirrhosis is a serious condition that, without adequate treatment, leads to liver failure and death.

Although not common, chronic hepatitis C can develop into liver cancer. Generally the progression of the disease would be from HCV to cirrhosis, and from cirrhosis to cancer.

Cryoglobulinemia is not a common disorder. It occurs when antibodies called cryoglobulins and viral particles build up in the body. Cryoglobulins are antibodies that gel at low temperatures, so they're more likely to be found in the extremities—the hands, feet, toes and fingers. Combined with viral particles, the antibodies can cause nerve inflammation.

Cryoglobulinemia can cause joint pain, skin lesions, kidney problems and vasculitis—inflammation of the blood vessels.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (reviewed 2005). Viral hepatitis C.

Medhelp International. (2000). Cryoglobulinemia.

National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse. (2000). Viral hepatitis A to E and beyond.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (updated 2001). What you should know about hepatitis C.

Smith, R. (1999). A painful connection: HCV, cryo and neuropathy. Hepatitis Central.

Thomas, C. L, ed. (1997). Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary 18th ed. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Co.

Vohies, M. (nd). Cryoglobulinemia with hepatitis C infection.