What are common treatment options for chronic hepatitis C?

Chronic hepatitis C is primarily managed through antiviral medications, which have significantly advanced in recent years. These treatments, particularly direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), work by targeting specific steps in the hepatitis C virus lifecycle to effectively eliminate the virus from the body. The use of these medications has demonstrated high cure rates and improved outcomes for patients.

Regular monitoring is also a critical component of managing chronic hepatitis C. This includes assessing liver function, screening for liver damage through imaging studies, and regularly checking for potential complications, such as hepatocellular carcinoma. Monitoring helps healthcare providers tailor treatment plans and ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

While surgical interventions and liver transplantation are options for patients with severe liver damage or liver failure due to hepatitis C, they are not common first-line treatments for the condition itself. Dietary changes alone do not address the viral aspect of the disease or provide the necessary therapeutic intervention. Lastly, radiation therapy and immunotherapy are not typically used for hepatitis C, as they are more aligned with cancer treatments than with viral infections. Thus, antiviral medications coupled with ongoing monitoring stand out as the most effective and commonly employed treatment approach for chronic hepatitis C.