What should you know about hepatitis C caused by alcohol?

Regular or heavy alcohol use can injure the liver and lead to alcohol-related liver disease, but it does not create hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis C spreads when infected blood enters another person's bloodstream. A person can have both conditions, and the combination may place extra strain on the liver. Tiredness, nausea, poor appetite, abdominal discomfort, or yellowing of the eyes can occur with several liver problems, so symptoms cannot identify the cause alone.

A Liver Function Test may show liver irritation or impaired function, but it cannot tell whether alcohol, hepatitis C, medicines, fatty liver disease, or another condition is responsible. Specific hepatitis testing is needed when infection is a possibility.

Arrange a GP Consultation for an honest review of alcohol intake, medicines, supplements, past blood exposure, and any test results. Do not abruptly stop alcohol if you may be dependent, because withdrawal can be dangerous; ask a clinician for a supported reduction plan. Avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes, needles, or other items that may carry blood.

Your clinician can decide whether hepatitis testing, liver monitoring, or referral is needed. Take prescribed medicines as directed and check before using pain medicines or supplements that may affect the liver.

Get urgent help for confusion, vomiting blood, black stools, severe drowsiness, or yellow skin and eyes with sudden worsening. Seek prompt assessment for repeated vomiting, increasing abdominal swelling, unusual bleeding, very dark urine, or pale stools.

Ask which tests can separate alcohol-related injury from hepatitis C, whether you need a Liver Function Test, and how to reduce alcohol safely. Ask which medicines and supplements are suitable while your liver is being assessed.