What is hepatitis C?

When we ask the question “what is Hepatitis C?,” it makes sense that we first answer the question ”what is Hepatitis?”

The word hepatitis comes from the Greek words “hepar” which means “liver” and “itis,” which means “inflammation.”

In short, hepatitis means “inflammation of the liver.”

Inflammation of the liver can be caused by a number of factors including excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, high levels of acetominophen (Tylenol), and fatty liver disease.

Long term inflammation of the liver can eventually kill liver cells and while the liver can regenerate new cells, the rate of liver damage can outpace regeneration. This leads to scarring of the liver or cirrohsis. At this point the livers ability to function is impaired, which leads to a variety of problems including serious and chronic fatigue, fluid buildup in the abdomen, toxicity of the blood, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin).

Additionally dead liver tissue seems to be a breeding ground for cancerous cells, increasing the chance of developing liver cancer.

Viral infections also cause liver inflammation.

The Hepatitis C virus is the most common and most damaging of the viruses that target the liver.

This brings us to the answer to our first question… ”What is Hepatitis C?”

In simple terms, Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus that attacks the liver on a cellular level, causing chronic or long lasting inflammation of the liver.

This inhibits the liver’s ability to perform its many life-sustaining functions. At their worst, the effects of this long-term inflammation can result in the need for a liver transplant.

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