Symptoms of Viral Hepatitis

]]>Hepatitis A]]> —This infection may or may not cause symptoms. Adults are more likely to have symptoms than children. Incubation is from 15-45 days. Hepatitis A does not progress to chronic liver disease.
]]>Hepatitis B]]> —With this form of hepatitis, symptoms usually appear within 25-180 days following exposure to the virus. Hepatitis B may progress to carrier state or chronic liver disease.
]]>Hepatitis C]]> —About 80% of people with hepatitis C have no symptoms. Over time, however, the disease can cause serious liver damage. Hepatitis C may progress to chronic hepatitis. Incubation is from 15-60 days.

Symptoms common to all types of viral hepatitis include:

Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Fever
Nausea and vomiting
]]>Diarrhea]]>
Weight loss
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Aches and pains
Headache
]]>Jaundice]]> (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
Darker-colored urine
Lighter-colored stool
Itching
Rash

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ .

Hepatitis Information Network website. Available at: http://www.hepnet.com/ .

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/ .

Last reviewed January 2010 by ]]>David L. Horn, MD, FACP]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.