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Understanding Hepatitis -- Symptoms
What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis?
Many cases of hepatitis go undiagnosed, because the disease is mistaken for the flu or because there are no symptoms at all. The most common symptoms of hepatitis are:
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Mild fever
- Muscle or joint aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
Less common symptoms include:
Understanding Hepatitis -- the Basics
Many people mistakenly believe that hepatitis is synonymous with viral hepatitis, and that all forms of hepatitis are contagious. Actually, the word hepatitis is a catch-all term that refers to any inflammation of the liver; it does not imply a specific cause or contagiousness (inflammation of the liver is defined as an irritation or swelling of liver cells). Hepatitis can be acute (inflammation of the liver that lasts less than six months) or chronic (inflammation of the liver that lasts greater...
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- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
- Jaundice
- Generalized itching
- Altered mental state, stupor, or coma
- Internal bleeding
Call Your Doctor About Hepatitis If:
- Your flu-like symptoms persist or you notice any of the more serious signs; chronic hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death.
- A friend or family member comes down with hepatitis; you may be at risk for infection with the organism that causes the disease.
- Your symptoms follow a visit to a country where hepatitis is common; you may have contracted the disease during your travels.
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