Major Symptoms Of Hepatitis C

Easy Bruising And Bleeding

When the liver is no longer able to filter blood properly due to the accumulation of scar tissue from hepatitis C, blood backs up into the spleen. The spleen hogs a large amount of platelets, which are responsible for helping the blood clot properly. In addition, hepatitis C can cause a decrease in the number of platelets an individual's liver and spleen can produce when needed. This platelet hoarding and decrease in production can cause an overall shortage of platelets in an affected individual's blood. The displacement of blood in the spleen can also cause imbalances in the number of clotting factors or special proteins in the blood that are also responsible for helping form clots. When blood is not able to clot properly due to deficiency of platelets or clotting factors, any injured blood vessels will bleed for extended periods. Externally, this excessive bleeding can manifest as nosebleeds or bleeding gums. Internally, the excessive bleeding can manifest as large and frequent bruising as blood accumulates just underneath the skin of the affected area.

Read more about the warning signs of hepatitis C now.