Can Hep C cause spleen problems?
Several recent studies have shown that the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and its different genotypes are a predominant and leading cause of cirrhosis and splenomegaly in different regions of the world. Advanced stage of cirrhosis leads to portal hypertension that causes splenomegaly.
What are 3 diseases that affect the spleen?
The spleen can become swollen after an infection or injury. It can also become enlarged as a result of a health condition, such as cirrhosis, leukaemia or rheumatoid arthritis. An enlarged spleen does not always cause symptoms.
What organ does Hep C damage?
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation, sometimes leading to serious liver damage. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads through contaminated blood.
What virus affects the spleen?
Viral infections such as mononucleosis and HIV, bacterial infections such as tuberculosis and endocarditis and parasite infections such as malaria and toxoplasmosis stress the immune function of the spleen. They can cause it to overproduce antibodies and immune cells (hyperplasia).
What do spleen problems feel like?
Spleen pain is usually felt as a pain behind your left ribs. It may be tender when you touch the area. This can be a sign of a damaged, ruptured or enlarged spleen.
What are the symptoms of a weak spleen?
The diagnostic criteria in common are poor appetite, abdominal fullness after meal, loose bowel movements, pale or sallow complexion. The characteristic features of Spleen-Qi deficiency are fatigue, asthenia, atrophied muscle, pale tongue with thin white coating and moderate, weak pulse.
How do you know if your hep C is getting worse?
Symptoms of end-stage liver disease may include:Easy bleeding or bruising.Persistent or recurring yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice)Intense itching.Abdominal pain.Loss of appetite.Nausea.Swelling due to fluid buildup in your abdomen and legs.Problems with concentration and memory.
Does hep C stay in your body forever?
Like the human papillomavirus (HPV), early acute hepatitis C can clear on its own without treatment; this happens about 25% of the time. However, it's more likely that the virus will remain in your body longer than six months, at which point it's considered to be chronic hepatitis C infection.
How long does hep C take to damage liver?
Chronic Hep C can cause liver inflammation and scarring that can lead to moderate liver damage (fibrosis) and severe liver damage (cirrhosis). People with cirrhosis are at high risk for liver failure, liver cancer and even death. Liver damage often happens slowly, over 20 to 30 years.
What viruses cause enlarged spleen?
An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) occurs when you have an underlying disease, such as infectious mononucleosis (mono). Other causes include liver and autoimmune diseases and some kinds of cancer such as leukemia and lymphoma.
What causes an inflamed spleen?
An enlarged spleen can be caused by infections, cirrhosis and other liver diseases, blood diseases characterized by abnormal blood cells, problems with the lymph system, or other conditions. Other causes of an enlarged spleen include: Inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
What aggravates the spleen?
Additionally, limiting or cutting out the foods and drinks below can help protect against the development of diseases, including conditions linked to an enlarged spleen: Sugar-sweetened beverages: soda, milkshakes, iced tea, energy drinks. Fast food: french fries, burgers, pizzas, tacos, hot dogs, nuggets.
What autoimmune disease affects the spleen?
Banti syndrome is a disorder of the spleen, the large, gland-like organ in the upper left side of the abdomen that produces red blood cells before birth and, in newborns, removes and destroys aged red blood cells, and plays a role in fighting infection.
What causes spleen problems?
An enlarged spleen can be caused by infections, cirrhosis and other liver diseases, blood diseases characterized by abnormal blood cells, problems with the lymph system, or other conditions. Other causes of an enlarged spleen include: Inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
How do you diagnose spleen problems?
Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your system and liver function. Ultrasound or CT scan to help determine the size of your spleen and whether it's crowding other organs. MRI to trace blood flow through the spleen.
What aggravates the spleen?
Additionally, limiting or cutting out the foods and drinks below can help protect against the development of diseases, including conditions linked to an enlarged spleen: Sugar-sweetened beverages: soda, milkshakes, iced tea, energy drinks. Fast food: french fries, burgers, pizzas, tacos, hot dogs, nuggets.