10 symptoms of hepatitis (and how you catch it)

The main symptoms of hepatitis are yellowed skin and eyes, dark urine, constant low fever, loss of appetite, nausea, frequent tiredness and a swollen belly, for example. Symptoms arise as inflammation occurs in the liver, however, in most cases of hepatitis, no signs or symptoms are noticed.

In the presence of signs and symptoms possibly indicative of hepatitis, it is important that the general practitioner, hepatologist or infectious disease specialist is consulted, as this will enable the diagnosis to be made and the most appropriate treatment initiated, which normally involves rest, a light diet and the use of of antiviral medications in some cases.

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused mainly by viruses that can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing syringes and needles or consuming water or food contaminated with the virus. Furthermore, liver inflammation can also be a consequence of excessive or unrecommended use of medications, consumption of alcoholic beverages or be a consequence of autoimmune diseases. Learn more about hepatitis.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of hepatitis are:

1. Yellow skin and eyes;
2. Yellowish, gray and whitish stools;
3. Dark urine;
4. Pain in the upper belly region;
5. Constant low fever;
6. Loss of appetite;
7. Frequent nausea or dizziness;
8. Frequent tiredness;
9. Swollen belly.
10. Joint pain.

Symptoms of hepatitis usually appear between 15 and 45 days after contact with the hepatitis virus, in the case of viral hepatitis, or as the liver becomes inflamed, in the case of hepatitis caused by the use of medication, alcohol or autoimmune diseases. .

Symptom Test

To find out your risk of having hepatitis, select the symptoms you present in the calculator below:

The symptom test is only a guidance tool and does not serve as a diagnosis or replace consultation with a hepatologist, infectious disease specialist or general practitioner.

How to confirm

To confirm hepatitis, in addition to evaluating the signs and symptoms presented by the person, the doctor may recommend blood tests to assess liver function. In addition, serology for hepatitis may be indicated, especially if virus infection is suspected, to confirm hepatitis.

It may also be recommended to carry out imaging tests, such as ultrasound or computed tomography in order to evaluate the functioning of the liver and check for signs of changes.

Read too: Tests to evaluate the liver: blood, imaging and biopsy

How do you get hepatitis

Hepatitis can be transmitted in several ways and the main forms of contagion include:

• Contact with contaminated blood;
• Contact with feces containing the virus;
• Unprotected sexual intercourse;
• Consumption of contaminated water and food;
• Use of non-sterile materials to make tattoos, piercings or to do your nails for example.

Furthermore, hepatitis can also be a consequence of the abuse of alcohol, illicit drugs and medications or be a consequence of autoimmune diseases. Therefore, treatment may vary according to the cause of hepatitis, severity of symptoms and form of contagion, and the doctor may recommend that the person rest, drink plenty of water and have a balanced, low-fat diet. See more details on the treatment for each type of hepatitis.

Watch the following video, in which nutritionist Tatiana Zanin talks to Dr. Drauzio Varella about how to prevent and treat hepatitis A, B and C: