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in the skin.
* Neuropathy affects the skin, causing a burning pain in the feet and reduced sensation in the lower legs.
* Portal Hypertension is abnormally high pressure in the branches of the vein that carries blood from the intestines to the liver.
* Pruritus, or itching occurs when bile not processed by the liver is retained in the skin.
* Tachycardia is caused when the liver doesn't remove old red blood cells, requiring increased effort by the heart to oxygenate the body.

* Varices are weak veins that develop in the esophagus or stomach because of portal hypertension.

TREATMENT:
Regular blood tests are necessary to diagnose and track the progression of the virus and any resulting liver disease. There is no cure for Hepatitis C, so treatment is focused managing symptoms and complications.

* Anemia, clotting problems, and tachycardia are generally treated with iron, fresh-frozen plasma (FFP), and transfusions to rebuild and replace red blood cells.
* Ascites are managed through the use of diuretics and reduced water intake. If the condition worsens, paracentesis, where a needle is inserted into the abdominal cavity to remove the fluid, may be required.
* Asterixis is improved or eliminated through treatment for Hepatic Encephalopathy.
* Blood sugar levels are treated with dietary changes and/or insulin therapy.
* Bruising is improved or reduced through treatment for Anemia and Clotting Problems.
* Edema improves through a balanced treatment with diuretics and salt restriction.
* Hepatic Encephalopathy improves by reducing protein intake and using medications which help remove excess protein.
* Portal Hypertension is usually treated by following a low-sodium diet.
* Pruritus improves with the use of antihistamines and the reduction of other hepatitis C symptoms.
* Varices are improved through the treatment of portal hypertension.

Because they are damaging to the liver, patients should not use alcohol or NSAIDs, which include aspirin, and ibuprofen.

The most effective overall treatment for hepatitis C is pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Taken as a weekly injection, pegylated interferon is most effective when combined with daily ribavirin pills.

If symptoms stop responding and liver damage increases, the final treatment option is liver transplant.

Learn more about this author, Julie G. Hughes.
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