Hepatitis C

            I chose to do my paper on Hepatitis C. I have a Grandmother and a close friend who both have the disease. My Grandmother is 75 and contracted it from a blood transfusion when she had a double mastectomy many years ago. My friend isn't sure how he got it. He thinks possibly from unprotected sex or from experimenting with drugs in the early 70's. .
             Hepatitis C is a disease of the Digestion & Nutrition system. Humans have a complete digestive system is composed of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, anus, salivary glands, liver, gallbladder and pancreas (Starr 616). The digestive system works with organ systems to supply cells with raw material and eliminate wastes (Starr 613).
             Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver. The liver is the largest glandular organ in the body and weighs about 3 pounds. It's reddish brown in color and divided into four lobes. It lies on the right side of the abdominal cavity. One of the major functions of the liver is the manufacture and secretion of bile salts to the small intestine, which are critical for digestion and the absorption of fats. The liver also filters harmful substances from the blood. It fights infection and stops bleeding. It removes drugs and other poisons from your body. It even stores energy for when you need it. It is the center of metabolic activity.
             Hepatitis C is caused by a virus (HCV). Coming in contact with an infected person's blood transmits it. Most people contract the disease by sharing drug needles, receiving blood transfusions or solid organs (prior to 1992), health workers getting pricked by infected needle, and needles for tattoos that aren't sterilized. It is rare for a person to contract the disease from having sex with an infected person.
             Many times individuals don't know they have Hepatitis C until a routine blood test shows elevated liver enzymes. 80% never exhibit any signs. Those who do experience symptoms may have jaundice, fatigue, dark urine, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and nausea.