Symptoms

Viral hepatitis, be it hepatitis B or C, have the same symptoms. The most evident symptoms seen in hepatitis C patients are:

1- Jaundice

The yellowish coloration of the skin in the condition known as jaundice is due to high levels of bilirubin in the body. Adult jaundice is a significant indicator of underlying hepatic disturbance. This symptom is diagnosed by observing the white of the eyes and the skin (a yellow tint points towards jaundice). Research shows hepatitis virus to be the primary etiology of jaundice in hospitals.

Case studies have revealed that hepatitis C-induced jaundice can be detrimental to the patient’s health. Pregnant women who develop jaundice due to hepatitis C are at a greater risk of morbidity and mortality.

There has been a correlation between genetic makeup and the development of jaundice in hepatitis C patients. As per a study, women with a specific genotype who do not develop jaundice have a lower chance of recovery (spontaneous clearance) HCV infection.