Your liver might be in trouble: Here's what hepatitis looks and feels like
Hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver, often resulting from viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, autoimmune diseases, or toxins. Hepatitis can manifest in several forms, the most common being Hepatitis A, B, and C. Understanding the signs and symptoms is crucial for early detection and treatment.
Common signs and symptoms of hepatitis
Fatigue: One of the earliest and most common symptoms of hepatitis is persistent fatigue. Individuals may feel an overwhelming sense of tiredness that does not improve with rest.
Nausea and vomiting: Affected individuals often report feelings of nausea or may experience vomiting. This could also lead to a decreased appetite.
Abdominal pain: Many people with hepatitis report discomfort or pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen, where the liver is located. This pain can range from mild to severe.
Dark urine: A change in urine color, particularly dark brown or tea-colored urine, can indicate liver issues. This occurs due to the accumulation of bilirubin, a substance produced by the liver.
Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes is a classic sign of hepatitis. This happens when bilirubin builds up in the blood due to impaired liver function.
Pale stools: People with hepatitis may notice that their stools become pale or clay-colored. This can result from a lack of bile reaching the intestines due to liver dysfunction.
Fever: A low-grade fever may accompany hepatitis, particularly in the case of viral hepatitis.
Muscle and joint pain: Many individuals with hepatitis report experiencing generalized body aches. This symptom can mimic the flu or other viral infections.
Loss of appetite: A sudden lack of interest in food can occur, which can result in weight loss over time.
Itchy skin: Some individuals may experience pruritus, or itchy skin, due to the buildup of bile salts in the bloodstream.
When to seek medical attention
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms that might suggest hepatitis, it is critical to seek medical attention promptly. Here are specific scenarios when you should consult a healthcare professional:
Persistent symptoms: If fatigue, abdominal pain, or any other symptoms persist for more than a few days without improvement, it's advisable to see a doctor.
Development of jaundice: If you notice a yellowing of your skin or eyes, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention, as this can indicate significant liver issues.
Severe abdominal pain: If the abdominal pain becomes severe and is accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Confusion or altered mental status: Symptoms like confusion, disorientation, or lethargy can suggest advanced liver disease and require immediate attention.
Signs of bleeding or bruising: Easy bruising or unusual bleeding can indicate liver dysfunction and should be assessed by a healthcare provider.
Unexplained weight loss: Significant, unexplained weight loss can be a warning sign of liver disease.
Travel and hepatitis exposure history: If you've traveled to areas with high rates of hepatitis infection or been in contact with someone diagnosed with hepatitis, it's crucial to inform your healthcare provider.
Dr. Manoj Kumar - Director Gastroenterology Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj
Common signs and symptoms of hepatitis
Nausea and vomiting: Affected individuals often report feelings of nausea or may experience vomiting. This could also lead to a decreased appetite.
Abdominal pain: Many people with hepatitis report discomfort or pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen, where the liver is located. This pain can range from mild to severe.
Dark urine: A change in urine color, particularly dark brown or tea-colored urine, can indicate liver issues. This occurs due to the accumulation of bilirubin, a substance produced by the liver.
Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes is a classic sign of hepatitis. This happens when bilirubin builds up in the blood due to impaired liver function.
Pale stools: People with hepatitis may notice that their stools become pale or clay-colored. This can result from a lack of bile reaching the intestines due to liver dysfunction.
Fever: A low-grade fever may accompany hepatitis, particularly in the case of viral hepatitis.
Muscle and joint pain: Many individuals with hepatitis report experiencing generalized body aches. This symptom can mimic the flu or other viral infections.
Loss of appetite: A sudden lack of interest in food can occur, which can result in weight loss over time.
Itchy skin: Some individuals may experience pruritus, or itchy skin, due to the buildup of bile salts in the bloodstream.
When to seek medical attention
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms that might suggest hepatitis, it is critical to seek medical attention promptly. Here are specific scenarios when you should consult a healthcare professional:
Persistent symptoms: If fatigue, abdominal pain, or any other symptoms persist for more than a few days without improvement, it's advisable to see a doctor.
Development of jaundice: If you notice a yellowing of your skin or eyes, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention, as this can indicate significant liver issues.
Severe abdominal pain: If the abdominal pain becomes severe and is accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Confusion or altered mental status: Symptoms like confusion, disorientation, or lethargy can suggest advanced liver disease and require immediate attention.
Signs of bleeding or bruising: Easy bruising or unusual bleeding can indicate liver dysfunction and should be assessed by a healthcare provider.
Unexplained weight loss: Significant, unexplained weight loss can be a warning sign of liver disease.
Travel and hepatitis exposure history: If you've traveled to areas with high rates of hepatitis infection or been in contact with someone diagnosed with hepatitis, it's crucial to inform your healthcare provider.
Dr. Manoj Kumar - Director Gastroenterology Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj
Next Story