How Does Hepatitis C Affect My Liver?
Hepatitis C is a type of virus that, over time, can damage normal liver function and lead to other serious health problems. Here's how it works:
- The hepatitis C virus attacks liver cells and uses them as a host to reproduce itself. When the body attempts to fight the virus, it sends lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) to the liver, which results in inflammation (swelling). This inflammation is a normal response to infection, but over time this process, and certain chemicals released by the lymphocytes, can damage liver cells
- When the liver cells are damaged, they cannot function well and may die. Some of these cells may grow back, but severe injury may lead to fibrosis (a buildup of scar tissue on the liver). Fibrosis slows down the liver's ability to circulate blood and remove toxins
- Over time, hardened scar tissue can replace large amounts of normal liver tissue. This condition, called cirrhosis, seriously impairs the liver's ability to function. As a result, blood that cannot pass freely through the liver may back up into the spleen, causing the spleen to become enlarged. In addition, the liver may not be able to produce enough bile to aid in the absorption and handling of nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, and most fats
Treatment may help prevent further damage or reduce progression of the condition. However, the longer treatment is delayed, the more likely significant and permanent liver damage will occur.
Continue to learn about PEGASYS therapy