Stage 3. Cirrhosis due to Hepatitis C: The Battle-Scarred Warrior
The story of Hepatitis C becomes grimmer as it progresses to its third act. Cirrhosis, a term familiar to many, refers to severe scarring of the liver. It’s like battle scars from the long-standing tussle between the liver and the virus.
Imagine the liver as a sponge, soft and flexible. Now visualize that sponge turning stiff, riddled with rigid patches. That’s what cirrhosis does. The previously pliable liver now has rigid regions that impede its regular functions. The liver’s resilience is noteworthy. Despite consistent abuse, it tries to function to the best of its capacity.
But cirrhosis isn’t just a structural change. It affects the liver’s ability to process nutrients, hormones, and drugs. The scars can obstruct blood flow, increasing pressure in the liver’s primary vein, leading to potentially life-threatening complications.
The evolution from a silent intruder to causing such extensive damage highlights the virus’s formidable nature and emphasizes the importance of understanding its progression. (3)
