There are some illnesses that generally do not go away that easily and simply need to be managed over time so that one does not get bothered by the symptoms, which is sometimes the case for the condition known as hepatitis C. While living with hepatitis C may damage the liver in the long run, there are ways to manage it and at times even cure it. For those who have it, here are a few things to know about dealing with it.
Before going to the tips on how to cope with the disease, one must first understand more about it. Just to give a background, it is extremely common among baby boomers more than other generations although it is seen to affect the younger generations as well. This disease, also coined HCV, also does not usually show symptoms until one gets older which is why many do not know they have it.
It is also a contagious disease that may be passed from one person to another. Now, there are two types of HCV being the acute one and the chronic one. The acute version is the one that can be cured and usually leaves after six months while the chronic one is a long term infection that may eventually lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer if not treated earlier on.
If ever one has gone to the doctor and tested positive, then treatment will have to start right away. Take note that it is a little tricky to know which HCV is inside the body as there are many strains that exist with the Type one strain being the most common. However, one may get other types depending on how he or she got the virus.
When one is tested positive, then the first thing the doctors would do would be to prescribe medicines such as Elbasvir, Ledipasvir, or Glecaprevir. This is done in the earlier stages in the event that the disease is still in its acute form. By administering medicines like these, one may be able to cure the disease.
It would be harder to cure of the HCV has already reached a chronic stage although still quite possible if approached properly. However, just medicines will not work anymore as the liver may already start to be affected. In this case, one may actually need to change his or her lifestyle.
Next, one has to start eating a healthier diet with less fatty and oily foods. Eating more white meat and more vegetables plus fruits is a must while getting daily exercise and eight hours of sleep. Lastly, it is important for one to stop drinking alcohol and smoking as that also affects the liver.
While all of this is happening, one should also take some management medicines prescribed by the doctor. Along with that, some liver aiding supplements will also help in ensuring that the liver stays healthy. If one has HCV, all of these things must be done. As long as one is diligent with the medicines and the lifestyle change, everything should be fine.
Before going to the tips on how to cope with the disease, one must first understand more about it. Just to give a background, it is extremely common among baby boomers more than other generations although it is seen to affect the younger generations as well. This disease, also coined HCV, also does not usually show symptoms until one gets older which is why many do not know they have it.
It is also a contagious disease that may be passed from one person to another. Now, there are two types of HCV being the acute one and the chronic one. The acute version is the one that can be cured and usually leaves after six months while the chronic one is a long term infection that may eventually lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer if not treated earlier on.
If ever one has gone to the doctor and tested positive, then treatment will have to start right away. Take note that it is a little tricky to know which HCV is inside the body as there are many strains that exist with the Type one strain being the most common. However, one may get other types depending on how he or she got the virus.
When one is tested positive, then the first thing the doctors would do would be to prescribe medicines such as Elbasvir, Ledipasvir, or Glecaprevir. This is done in the earlier stages in the event that the disease is still in its acute form. By administering medicines like these, one may be able to cure the disease.
It would be harder to cure of the HCV has already reached a chronic stage although still quite possible if approached properly. However, just medicines will not work anymore as the liver may already start to be affected. In this case, one may actually need to change his or her lifestyle.
Next, one has to start eating a healthier diet with less fatty and oily foods. Eating more white meat and more vegetables plus fruits is a must while getting daily exercise and eight hours of sleep. Lastly, it is important for one to stop drinking alcohol and smoking as that also affects the liver.
While all of this is happening, one should also take some management medicines prescribed by the doctor. Along with that, some liver aiding supplements will also help in ensuring that the liver stays healthy. If one has HCV, all of these things must be done. As long as one is diligent with the medicines and the lifestyle change, everything should be fine.
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