Hepatitis C is a serious health condition that can be deadly if left untreated. As the liver becomes more inflamed, a wide range of symptoms can present themselves, including potentially deadly complications. In this case, it’s important for patients to know the causes of infection and what they can do when suffering from hepatitis C, which physician John R. Loughrey gladly provides to Cincinnati, OH, patients.

Hepatitis C: 5 Symptoms to Look Out For

1. Swelling of the Lower Extremities

Your legs may become swollen as a result of the infection. This can be a very serious complication, as circulation can be cut off if swelling becomes too severe. In this case, the patient risks losing a limb if the issue isn’t remedied.

2. Loss of Weight

People afflicted with hepatitis C also experience drastic weight loss. When proper nutrition is lacking, many of the other symptoms can become even more severe.

3. Bleeding/Bruising Easily

Easy bleeding or bruising can also occur. In the case of profuse bleeding, a patient faces death by exsanguination if he or she does not receive immediate medical assistance.

4. Itching Skin

Skin can also feel itchy as a result of hepatitis C. When a patient scratches skin incessantly, there is a risk of external infection, especially when health is compromised in another way.

5. Confusion or Slurred Speech

Confusion or slurring of speech typically occurs in later stages of hepatitis C. This is due to encephalopathy, which is what occurs when toxins from the blood flow through the brain and impact cognitive abilities.

Causes of Hepatitis C

It’s also in important to know how hepatitis C can occur. A virus is responsible for causing this illness, which makes its way into the bloodstream and travels the body from there. In general, you need to come into contact with infected blood in order to contract the illness. This can occur in a number of ways, including exposure to health care workers, injecting drugs, receiving a blood transfusion (before 1982), being born to a woman who’s also infected, among many other situations.

If you’re in search of a skilled and compassionate medical doctor in Cincinnati, John R. Loughrey offers the benefit of his expansive medical knowledge to local patients, including those who suffer from hepatitis C. Schedule an appointment today by calling (513) 681-8800. If you’d like to access a listing of frequently asked questions, feel free to visit this practice online.