All About Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation, sometimes leading to serious liver damage.

Symptoms

In the early stages of this disease it’s considered ‘silent’ meaning there are little to no symptoms present. As the disease progresses, however, and the liver becomes damaged, there symptoms are present:

• Bleeding easily
• Bruising easily
• Fatigue
• Poor appetite
• Jaundice
• Dark-colored urine
• Itchy skin
• Excess fluid in the abdomen
• Swelling in your legs
• Weight loss
• Confusion, drowsiness and slurred speech
• Spiderlike blood vessels on your skin

Causes of Hepatitis C

The hep C virus (HCV) spreads through contaminated blood either from birth, coming in contact with infected blood, sharing needles or something similar.

Prognosis

The prognosis for this disease is pretty good ! Many patients are able to manage their symptoms or they’re able to get a liver transplant if it comes to that. HCV sometimes leads to cirrhosis but usually takes between 20 to 30 years to get to that point.

Medical Marijuana and Hepatitis C

This disease cannot be cured but medical marijuana eases symptoms to give patients a better quality of life. MM helps with nausea, pain and fatigue. Additionally:

• A 2006 report suggested that marijuana might help these patients complete the full regimen, treating the liver and symptoms both.
• Also, additional research has shown that the activation of CB2 receptors in the liver actually inhibits or even reverses the fibrogenesis that characterizes liver damage, which has encouraged scientists to focus on clarifying the function of these receptors, as well as demonstrating outcomes among patients with liver damage.
• In one review of the available science, marijuana users showed a decreased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 
• A study in Liver International suggested that drinkers who used cannabis had significantly lower odds of developing liver disease.
• And a French study focusing on patients with both HCV and HIV showed that regular pot use was associated with a lower risk of fatty liver disease for these patients.

Marijuana strains that help with eye pressure include:

• Lavender: This indica-dominant strain is very potent with an average THC level around 27 percent. This uber-relaxing strain has a strong body high, making it very effective for nausea, anxiety and depression relief.
• Blueberry Diesel: This hybrid strain is 50/50, combining the best qualities of both. This typically has a slightly lower potency than some other popular strains, it still provides a very relaxing experience and is helpful to increase appetite, relieve nausea and ease pain.
• Blue Dream: This sativa is described as energetic and creative while still giving a body high, relieving pain and paving the path to a restful night of sleep. Excellent for relieving nausea, Blue Dream also helps relieve stress and anxiety.

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