Symptoms of Esophageal VaricesEsophageal varices often show no symptoms unless they are bleeding or have burst. However, burst Esophageal varices can prove fatal and may result in vomiting blood, as well as change the color of stool. Other symptoms of Esophageal varices may include lightheadedness, jaundice, loss of consciousness, and bloody or tarry stools.
How Does Hepatitis C Affect the Body?
Spread throughout the body when coming into contact with contaminated blood from another infected person, Hepatitis C can lead to a variety of negative outcomes in the body over time including cirrhosis, or bruising of the liver, liver cancer, and even liver failure in some cases.
How is Hepatitis C Diagnosed?
Hepatitis C is typically diagnosed following routine blood tests or when donating blood. More often than not, those living with Hepatitis C may not even know that they have the infection until their blood labs show abnormalities. A variety of lab tests used to assess liver damage can identify the extent to which Hepatitis C has affected your liver.
Diagnosing Esophageal VaricesEsophageal varices can be diagnosed through capsule endoscopy, imaging tests, as well as upper gastrointestinal endoscopies. With these tests, physicians are able to identify and assess any swelling and dilation found in your veins.
Esophageal Varices Treatment
Non-selective beta blockers are commonly used to treat esophageal varices. Such beta blockers work to reduce blood pressure in the portal vein, reducing the chances of internal bleeding. Should you have bleeding veins, endoscopic band ligation may be utilized to band your veins to reduce/stop bleeding. Band ligation is performed during an upper endoscopic procedure.
Who is at Risk for Hepatitis C?
The following people are at an increased risk for Hepatitis C:
- Those living with HIV
- Those born to women with Hepatitis C
- Those who have come into contact with unsterile needles
- Those who have injected or inhaled illicit drugs
- Those who have been incarcerated
- Healthcare workers who have been exposed to infect blood in the workplace
- Those born between 1945 and 1965
- Those engaging in unprotected sex with infected individuals
How Can Hepatitis C be Prevented?
Hepatitis C can be prevented by eliminating the use of illicit drugs, ensuring safe contact with needles when getting tattoos and piercing, limiting alcohol consumption, and by practicing safe sex.