Hepatitis C Treatment in Gurgaon, India
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver. The infection can lead to serious liver damage, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver cancer, if left untreated. The virus spreads mainly through contact with infected blood. Hepatitis C can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). If not treated, it can cause lifelong health problems.
What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis C?
The symptoms of hepatitis C can vary significantly from person to person and often go unnoticed in the early stages. Many individuals may remain asymptomatic for years, which is why hepatitis C is sometimes referred to as a “silent infection.” The symptoms generally depend on whether the infection is acute (short-term) or has progressed to a chronic (long-term) stage.
Acute Hepatitis C: Early Signs and Symptoms
Acute hepatitis C refers to the initial phase of infection, typically occurring within the first 6 months after exposure to the virus. In most cases, this phase is mild or entirely without symptoms, making early detection challenging. When symptoms do occur, they usually develop within 2 to 12 weeks after exposure and may include:
A constant feeling of tiredness or low energy is often one of the first noticeable symptoms. It can interfere with daily activities and reduce the overall quality of life.
Jaundice (Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes)
Jaundice occurs when the liver struggles to process bilirubin, a waste product in the blood. This causes the skin and whites of the eyes to take on a yellow hue.
A common early indicator, the urine may appear tea-colored or darker than usual due to the buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream.
Many people experience gastrointestinal discomfort, including a persistent feeling of nausea, which may sometimes lead to vomiting.
Reduced desire to eat or early satiety is often seen, leading to unintended weight loss during the acute phase.
Abdominal Pain (Especially in the Upper Right Side)
The liver is located in the upper right portion of the abdomen. Inflammation can cause a dull or aching pain in this area.
A mild fever may develop as the body mounts an immune response to the virus.
These symptoms often resemble those of other viral illnesses, such as the flu, which may cause the infection to go undiagnosed in its early stages.
Chronic Hepatitis C: Long-Term Symptoms
When the hepatitis C virus remains in the body for more than 6 months, it is considered a chronic infection. Over time, chronic hepatitis C can cause progressive liver damage, and many individuals do not experience noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Some of the more advanced symptoms include:
Unlike acute fatigue, chronic fatigue tends to persist over weeks or months. It may be constant or intermittent and can severely impact work and daily life.
Liver Damage (Cirrhosis or Fibrosis)
As the liver becomes inflamed and scarred, its ability to function is compromised. Cirrhosis, or severe scarring, can develop over several years and may not be reversible.
Swelling in the Abdomen (Ascites) and Legs (Edema)
Damage to the liver can lead to fluid buildup in the abdomen and lower extremities. This is a common sign of advanced liver disease.
Easy Bruising or Bleeding
The liver produces proteins necessary for blood clotting. When its function is impaired, individuals may bruise easily or experience prolonged bleeding from minor cuts.
Mental Confusion and Memory Issues (Hepatic Encephalopathy)
Toxins that are normally filtered out by the liver can accumulate in the bloodstream and affect brain function. This may lead to confusion, poor concentration, personality changes, or even coma in severe cases.
Because chronic hepatitis C may remain silent for decades, routine screening is essential, especially for individuals with risk factors such as past injection drug use, blood transfusions before 1992, or long-term liver enzyme abnormalities.
What Causes Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, kissing, or sharing food and drinks. Instead, transmission occurs when blood contaminated with the virus enters the bloodstream of another person. Below are the most common routes of transmission:
Sharing Needles or Drug-Injecting Equipment
Intravenous drug use is the most common modern route of HCV transmission. Reusing or sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment can easily transmit the virus.
Blood Transfusions or Organ Transplants (Before 1992)
Before widespread HCV screening began in the early 1990s, many people became infected through blood transfusions or organ transplants. Today, blood and organ donations are rigorously tested for hepatitis C, making this route of transmission very rare in developed countries.
In some regions, medical or dental procedures performed with improperly sterilised instruments can pose a risk. This includes the reuse of syringes, surgical tools, or transfusion equipment in healthcare settings lacking proper infection control protocols.
Sharing Personal Care Items
Items such as razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, or even tweezers may come into contact with small amounts of blood. Sharing these items can allow the virus to spread if contaminated.
Mother-to-Child Transmission (Perinatal Transmission)
Although less common, a pregnant mother with hepatitis C can pass the virus to her baby during childbirth. The risk is higher if the mother is co-infected with HIV.
While less frequent than bloodborne routes, HCV can be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, especially among individuals with multiple partners or those who engage in rough sex, which may cause bleeding.
Tattoos or Piercings with Unsterilized Equipment
Getting a tattoo or piercing from a non-certified establishment using unsterilized equipment may also lead to hepatitis C infection.
Risk Factors for Hepatitis C
You may be at higher risk for hepatitis C if you:
In case of shared needles or injected drugs
Had a blood transfusion before 1992 (before screening for hepatitis C)
Are a healthcare worker who may have been exposed to blood
Were born to a mother with hepatitis C
Have unprotected sex with someone infected with hepatitis C
When to Consult a Doctor for Hepatitis C?
You should consult a doctor if you suspect exposure to hepatitis C or experience symptoms like fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), dark urine, abdominal pain, nausea, or swelling in the legs or abdomen. Even without symptoms, if you are at high risk, such as having shared needles or had blood transfusions, getting tested is important. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious liver damage and complications.
How is Hepatitis C Diagnosed?
Diagnosing hepatitis C involves a combination of blood tests and imaging to detect the virus, assess liver function, and evaluate liver damage. Since many people with hepatitis C do not experience noticeable symptoms for years, early testing is critical, especially for those in high-risk groups.
HCV Antibody Test (Screening Test)
This is usually the first test performed when hepatitis C is suspected.
It detects antibodies to the hepatitis C virus in your blood, indicating whether you have ever been exposed to HCV.
A positive result does not necessarily mean you have an active infection—just that your immune system has responded to the virus.
HCV RNA Test (PCR Test)
If the antibody test is positive, your doctor will order this confirmatory test.
It checks for genetic material (RNA) of the virus in your bloodstream.
This test determines if the virus is currently active and helps confirm chronic infection.
It also provides information about the viral load (amount of virus), which is useful for treatment planning.
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
These blood tests assess how well your liver is working.
Elevated ALT (alanine aminotransferase) or AST (aspartate aminotransferase) levels can suggest liver inflammation.
They help gauge the extent of liver damage and may indicate the need for further evaluation.
HCV Genotype Test
If chronic hepatitis C is confirmed, this test is used to determine the strain or genotype of the virus.
In some complex cases, a liver biopsy may be recommended.
It involves taking a small sample of liver tissue using a thin needle, typically under ultrasound guidance.
The sample is examined under a microscope to assess scarring (fibrosis) or cirrhosis.
While less commonly used today due to non-invasive alternatives, it can provide detailed insight.
Non-Invasive Imaging Tests
Doctors may recommend imaging to assess liver structure and stiffness:
Ultrasound: A simple, painless scan that can detect liver enlargement, fatty liver, or tumours.
FibroScan (Transient Elastography): A specialised ultrasound that measures liver stiffness, helping to determine the stage of fibrosis without the need for a biopsy.
MRI or CT Scan: In certain cases, these advanced imaging methods are used to detect tumours or complications such as liver cancer.
What are The Treatment Options for Hepatitis C?
Treatment for hepatitis C has improved significantly in recent years. Most people with hepatitis C can be cured with antiviral medications.
Antiviral Medications for Hepatitis C
The main treatment for hepatitis C is a course of antiviral medications that target and stop the virus from multiplying in your body. These drugs include:
The treatment course typically lasts from 8 to 12 weeks, and for many people, the virus is completely cleared from the body by the end of treatment.
Liver Transplantation for Advanced Cases of Hepatitis C
If hepatitis C causes severe liver damage or liver failure, a liver transplant may be necessary. This is usually recommended when the liver is no longer functioning properly due to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
When is a Liver Transplant Needed for Hepatitis C?
A liver transplant is typically needed when hepatitis C leads to liver failure or advanced liver cirrhosis that cannot be managed by medications. In some cases, hepatitis C can also lead to liver cancer, which may require a transplant.
Complications of Hepatitis C
If left untreated, hepatitis C can cause serious complications, including:
Liver Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver tissue, which can affect liver function.
Liver Cancer: Chronic hepatitis C increases the risk of developing liver cancer.
Liver Failure: In severe cases, hepatitis C can cause the liver to stop functioning properly, which may require a transplant.
How to Prevent Hepatitis C Infection?
There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, but you can take steps to reduce the risk of getting infected:
Avoid sharing needles or drug equipment.
Do not share personal items like razors or toothbrushes.
Ensure any tattoos or piercings are done with clean, sterilised equipment.
Practice safe sex, especially with someone who has hepatitis C.
Make sure blood transfusions or organ donations are screened for hepatitis C.
Get Expert Hepatitis C Treatment by Leading Liver Specialists in Gurgaon
Artemis Hospitals is a trusted healthcare provider renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and expert medical team specialising in liver diseases, including Hepatitis C. Equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and offering the latest antiviral treatments, Artemis ensures personalised care for each patient’s needs. Our multidisciplinary approach involves experienced hepatologists, infectious disease experts, and supportive care staff who work together to provide comprehensive management of Hepatitis C. With a focus on patient comfort, safety, and positive outcomes, Artemis Hospitals stands out as a premier destination for effective and compassionate Hepatitis C treatment in Gurgaon.
To book an appointment with top liver specialists and hepatologists for Hepatitis C treatment at Artemis Hospitals, call our customer care at +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp us at +91 9599285476. You can also conveniently schedule your appointment through our online patient portal or by downloading and registering on the Artemis Personal Health Record mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices.
Reviewed By Dr. Giriraj Bora
Chief - Liver and Biliary Sciences, Organ Transplant
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best liver specialist near me for Hepatitis C treatment?
Artemis Hospitals has some of the best gastroenterologists and liver specialists in Gurgaon who provide advanced and effective Hepatitis C treatment with high cure rates. To know more, get in touch with us.
Which is the best hospital for Hepatitis C treatment in Gurgaon?
Artemis Hospitals is renowned for offering comprehensive Hepatitis C care in Gurgaon, including the latest antiviral therapies and liver disease management. Contact us to book an appointment with top liver specialists.
What factors affect the cost of Hepatitis C treatment in Gurgaon?
The cost of Hepatitis C treatment varies based on factors such as the type of antiviral medications prescribed, duration of treatment, hospital charges, and diagnostic tests. For a detailed cost estimate, contact us to schedule a consultation with our specialists.
Whom should I consult for Hepatitis C treatment in Gurgaon?
You should consult a hepatologist or a gastroenterologist who specializes in liver diseases and antiviral therapies for comprehensive Hepatitis C management.
Is Hepatitis C Considered a Sexually Transmitted Disease?
Hepatitis C is not commonly transmitted through sexual contact, but it can occur, especially if there are open sores or bleeding.
Can Hepatitis C Cause Liver Failure?
Yes, if hepatitis C is left untreated for many years, it can cause cirrhosis, which can lead to liver failure.
When Does Hepatitis C Require a Liver Transplant?
A liver transplant is required if hepatitis C causes liver failure, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. This is usually a last resort when the liver is no longer functioning properly.
What Are the Signs That Hepatitis C Has Progressed to End-Stage Liver Disease?
Signs that hepatitis C has progressed to liver failure or end-stage liver disease include severe fatigue, swelling in the abdomen or legs, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and confusion due to liver damage.
How Successful is Liver Transplantation in Hepatitis C Patients?
Liver transplantation for hepatitis C patients can be highly successful. However, hepatitis C may return after a transplant, and patients may need antiviral treatment to manage the infection.
