What Does Hep C Do?

Hepatitis C can damage the liver but not in all people so it is hard to say how it will affect you. Some people get rid of the virus by themself while others live with it long term, some developing serious liver damage.

Hepatitis C can make your liver become sore and swollen (inflammation). Fortunately, the liver can still grow back and repair itself if it has only been damaged for a short time. However, the longer you carry the virus, the longer it has to damage the liver,

Over time, swelling can increase to become severe. When this happens scar tissue may form inside the liver, called 'fibrosis'. The liver will still try to regrow and repair itself but it will be more difficult because of the scaring so nodules can form by mistake.

What is cirrhosis?

When a liver has developed both scars and nodules, this is called 'cirrhosis' and is a more serious form of liver damage which the liver can not really repair.

Cirrhosis is thought to be permanent but swelling can go down which makes a big difference and can slow down or even stop further liver damage. However, if the swelling continues more damage will take place until the liver can no longer work properly and other complications kick in.