Now that blood donations in the U.S. and Canada are screened for the hepatitis C virus, we hear less about this contagious and potentially deadly disease than we used to. Yet, over three million North Americans are infected with hepatitis C -- and 70 percent are unaware of their condition.
Hepatitis C damages the liver -- an organ that forms essential nutrients, balances our blood sugar, and plays a critical role in removing toxic materials from the blood. As liver damage progresses, the whole body may be infected, by fatigue, nausea, depression, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep, and other symptoms. Sever cases may lead to cirrhosis, internal bleeding, personality changes, liver cancer, even complete liver failure.
This comprehensive addition to the Your Personal Health Series explains what hepatitis C does and how it can be prevented and treated. It discusses the medical aspects of the problem and the practical concerns of living with the disease. Topics include:
- The various kinds of hepatitis and how they differ How the liver is affected and what this causes What tests and procedures are used to diagnose hepatitis C What drugs and other treatments are available Hepatitis C in children and pregnancy What happens if a liver transplant is necessary
There is also a frank discussion of how drinking and other lifestyle habits affect the course of the disease and how friends and family can help.
Authoritative and up-to-date, complete with illustrations, case studies, and a resource list, Hepatitis C is a highly readable guide to a serious disease.
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