10 Common Signs of Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a swelling and inflammation of the liver and can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Because of this fact, we review 10 common signs of hepatitis to be on the lookout for so you can seek treatment if necessary.

Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, is a condition that can be caused by many different factors including exposure to chemicals, drugs, alcohol, genetic disorders, or having a fatty liver. However, the most common cause of hepatitis is viral infections.

Fortunately, symptoms of hepatitis can be effectively managed and complications can be prevented if it’s caught reasonably early. That’s why double board-certified internal medicine and infectious disease specialist Serge Lartchenko, MD, and the rest of our expert team at Texas Infectious Disease Institute want to review 10 common signs of hepatitis for you so you can get the medical attention you need.

Understanding hepatitis

Hepatitis actually means “liver inflammation” and is usually the result of a viral infection. There are five main strains of hepatitis and they are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Of all these different forms, B and C are the most serious and have the highest potential for lifelong complications.

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is almost always a chronic, or lifelong, condition. It’s currently estimated that 826,000 people living in the United States are currently battling hepatitis B. Typically, you can develop hepatitis B by coming into contact with bodily fluids that are also infected with HBV.

Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and is more common, with 2.4 million Americans living with this variation. It’s also developed by coming into contact with bodily fluids infected with HCV, and it’s the most common bloodborne illness in the United States.

Risk factors for developing hepatitis B and C include sharing needles, having several sexual partners, and getting medical treatment in another country.

Recognizing the signs of hepatitis

If you’re living with a chronic variation of hepatitis like B or C, it may take quite a while for you to notice any symptoms. However, once symptoms develop, you may experience the following 10 things:

Abdominal pain
Fever
Dark urine
Joint pain
Reduced appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Fatigue
Weakness
Yellowed skin or eyes

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible in order to avoid serious health complications like further liver damage or liver cancer.

Treatment plans for hepatitis

If you’re living with a chronic version of hepatitis, you’ll need our team to help you come up with a treatment plan to help manage your symptoms and prevent further liver damage.

Treatment options for chronic hepatitis include antiviral medications, injections, or even a liver transplant. You’ll also need to cease drinking alcohol and taking medications that are known to cause liver damage like acetaminophen.

If you suspect that you’re living with hepatitis B or C, contact our team today for effective diagnosis and treatment. To schedule an appointment with us, call our office located in Richardson, Texas, at 469-960-4413 or use our online booking tool today.