Today is World Hepatitis Day, a perfect time to learn more about the liver and health conditions that can cause damage to this vital organ if not detected and treated in a timely manner.
Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections are the main causes of serious liver diseases such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death related to viral hepatitis. Read on for more information.
As people age, maintaining liver health becomes increasingly important. Because the liver plays a vital role in filtering toxins, producing proteins and aiding digestion, any condition that damages this organ can significantly affect overall health.
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Find a clinicViral hepatitis – hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C — can pose serious health risks for older adults. Though there is a vaccine for both hepatitis A and B, there is not one for hepatitis C.
Understanding hepatitis
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. While there are several types of hepatitis, A, B and C are caused by viruses and affect the liver in distinct ways. Some infections are short term and resolve on their own, while others can become chronic and lead to long-term liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer.
Inflammation of the liver also can be caused by alcohol consumption, autoimmune disease and other conditions.
When the liver remains inflamed for a long time as it is in chronic hepatitis, the body repeatedly tries to repair the damaged liver tissue. This healing process can create scar tissue. The buildup of this scar tissue is called liver fibrosis, a serious condition that damages the liver and makes it harder for it to work properly.
Chronic hepatitis B and C are common causes of liver fibrosis because they can generate liver inflammation that can go on for years. The good news is that fibrosis that is caught early can stabilize or even improve if the underlying hepatitis is treated successfully, especially before cirrhosis develops.
Why hepatitis C is a special concern for older adults
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most common forms of viral hepatitis in the United States. It can be especially dangerous for older adults because it often causes no symptoms for many years, which can lead to serious liver damage.
Age can also increase the risk of complications from chronic hepatitis C. The longer the virus remains in the body, the greater the chance of developing liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer.
Testing for hepatitis C
Because hepatitis C can be difficult to diagnose without testing, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that all adults aged 18-79 should be screened, regardless of risk factors.
Screening is done by a blood test and can detect exposure to the virus or an active infection. One-time screening is usually sufficient for most asymptomatic adults.
How hepatitis C spreads
The hepatitis C virus is spread through contact with infected blood and can be transmitted to humans through jobs that include exposure to blood, or sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment.
Another group of people who may be at risk are those who received blood transfusions or organ transplants before widespread screening of the blood supply began in the early 1990s.
Symptoms of hepatitis C
Often called a “silent infection” because of its lack of symptoms, hepatitis C can cause fatigue, fever, joint pain and loss of appetite and abdominal discomfort. Other signs may include dark urine, clay-colored stool and jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Treatment for hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is highly treatable. Modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications can cure more than 95% of hepatitis C infections with 8 to 12 weeks of oral treatment. Successful treatment can eliminate the virus, reduce liver inflammation, prevent further live damage and slow or stop the progression of fibrosis. It can also lower the risk of liver cancer and liver failure.
Protecting your liver
Healthy lifestyle choices can support liver health. Limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active and working with your health care provider to manage chronic medical conditions can help reduce stress on the liver and lower the risk of complications. Getting recommended vaccinations, including hepatitis A and B, will also help keep your liver healthy.
For people diagnosed with hepatitis C, timely treatment offers the best opportunity to prevent long-term liver damage and maintain quality of life.
