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One of the six types of hepatitis viruses, hepatitis C is a virus that causes inflammation in the liver. Hepatitis C has no known cure and is generally considered one of the more deadly forms of hepatitis because it can cause liver cancer and cirrhosis. While those with hepatitis C may not experience symptoms for even 20 to 30 years after contracting the disease, according to FamilyDoctor.org, symptoms will develop and increase in severity over time.
Early Symptoms Related to the Digestive System
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While hepatitis C sufferers may not experience symptoms until advanced stages, many of the early symptoms are flu-like in nature. Because hepatitis most affects the liver, the first symptoms usually occur as an effect of decreased liver production of bilirubin in the body. Elevated bilirubin levels are associated with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Additional Early Symptoms
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Other early symptoms related to hepatitis C include the following:
-Fatigue - extreme tiredness is often one of the first symptoms exhibited by those with hepatitis C
-Mild fever - typically a low-grade fever of 102 degrees or less, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
-Headache
-Muscle aches
Later Symptoms
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Over time, cirrhosis of the liver can cause the liver to scar and reduce the removal of wastes and minerals from the body. Because the liver may not be able to rid the body of wastes from foods, inflammation occurs in the digestive system, which can cause intestinal bleeding. These late-stage symptoms can include:
-Dark or bloody urine - due to inflammation in the digestive system
-Clay-colored stools
-Jaundice of the skin or eyes - because the liver breaks down bilirubin in the blood, decreased liver function due to hepatitis C can cause a person's skin or eyes to turn yellow.
eHow Article: Signs of Hepatitis-C
