The extent of hepatitis C infection in the liver varies from patient patient, and the damage can be serious in some cases. Most people don’t notice any signs in the early stages of hepatitis C. Symptoms can appear after the liver has sustained damaged. That said, some people start showing signs of hepatitis C not long after being infected. Herein, we look at the most common hepatitis C symptoms one should look out for.

1. Fatigue
Tiredness or fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of hepatitis C. Such a symptom interferes with daily activities and is often linked to underlying progression of the disease and the effects of the infection. Tiredness can also be associated with the mental impact that the condition may have on a person.

2. Joint or Muscle P ain
Liver inflammation or impairment due to the hepatitis-C virus may lead to pain in the joints and muscles. Such pain can begin at any stage of the infection and occurs because the body’s natural defense system is continuously fighting the virus. One must visit the doctor if these symptoms persist.

3. Jaundice
When the liver gets infected or impaired, the process of bilirubin transfer is disrupted. The buildup of this yellowish substance found in the blood can cause jaundice, characterized by yellow discoloration in the skin and eyes. Excess bilirubin levels can also cause dark coloring of the urine and pale or chalky stools.

4. Skin Problems
Skin-related issues are quite common in hepatitis-C patients. In fact, around half of all cases comprise dry skin as a symptom. Many people also feel persistent itching in the skin, which occurs when liver damage causes bile salt to build up under the skin.

5. Easy Bleeding and Bruising
A damaged liver is unable to produce sufficient clotting proteins, which are necessary for healing from an injury. Also, easily bleeding or bruising is a strong sign of liver dysfunction. Such a symptom is the body’s response to inflammation from the hepatitis C virus.

6. Reduced Weight
Several factors are responsible for the loss of appetite and eventualy body mass. Hepatitis-C patients often experience nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, all of which can diminish an individual’s appetite. Liver dysfunction also makes digestion and absorption of food difficult, which leads to diarrhea.

7. Stomach Pain or Swelling
Pain in the upper part of the abdomen is one of the most common hepatitis-C symptoms. Some patients complain of abdominal swelling or ascites. Swelling of the belly is also common in people with cirrhosis of the liver, heart failure, and kidney failure. It occurs when fluid accumulates in the belly area.

A crucial fact to keep in mind is that up to 80 percent of the people with hepatitis C don’t experience symptoms for several months and even years after getting the virus. Thus, the U.S. The Preventive Services Task Force recommends all adults from ages 18 to 79 years get screened for the disease at least once.