HEPATITIS - Royal Care Hospitals

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What are the symptoms of Hepatitis?

Fatigue and weakness

Hepatitis often impairs the liver's ability to filter toxins and metabolize nutrients effectively. As a result, patients may experience a persistent feeling of tiredness, reduced stamina, and general malaise even after adequate rest.

Jaundice

When the liver is inflamed or damaged, it fails to properly process and eliminate bilirubin—a yellow pigment in the blood. This leads to visible yellowing of the skin and eyes, a classic symptom of hepatitis.

Dark-colored urine and pale stools

As bilirubin builds up in the bloodstream due to liver dysfunction, it is excreted in the urine, giving it a dark, tea-like appearance. Simultaneously, stools may appear pale or clay-colored due to the absence of bile pigments.

Loss of appetite and nausea

Inflammation of the liver can disrupt normal digestion, leading to decreased appetite, persistent nausea, and even vomiting. These symptoms can contribute to unintentional weight loss.

Confusion or memory issues (hepatic encephalopathy)

A damaged liver cannot effectively remove toxins from the blood. These toxins reach the brain and lead to mental confusion, forgetfulness, and changes in behavior.

Abdominal pain or discomfort

Pain, pressure, or a feeling of fullness in the upper right side of the abdomen may occur as the liver becomes swollen or tender due to inflammation.

Fever and joint pains

In acute viral hepatitis, the immune response may trigger systemic symptoms such as low-grade fever, muscle aches, and joint pains, often resembling flu-like illness.

Diagnosis / Investigations

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

These blood tests measure key enzymes (ALT, AST), bilirubin, and proteins to assess how well the liver is working and to detect signs of liver inflammation or damage.

Viral Serology Testing

Specific blood tests are used to identify the type of hepatitis virus (A–E), and whether the infection is acute, chronic, or resolved. This helps guide treatment and prevention strategies.

Ultrasound and Fibroscan

Abdominal ultrasound helps visualize the liver’s size and structure, while Fibroscan (transient elastography) assesses liver stiffness to detect fibrosis or early cirrhosis.

Hepatitis B and C Viral Load Testing (PCR)

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing measures the amount of viral DNA or RNA in the blood, determining the severity of infection and monitoring response to antiviral therapy.

Liver Biopsy

In select cases, a small sample of liver tissue is examined under a microscope to determine the extent of inflammation, fibrosis, or cirrhosis. This is especially helpful when non-invasive tests are inconclusive.

Types of Hepatitis

Hepatitis A: A short-term (acute) viral infection primarily spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water. It typically resolves on its own and rarely leads to long-term liver damage.
Hepatitis B: A virus transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during birth. It may become chronic and lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Fortunately, a highly effective vaccine is available.
Hepatitis C: Transmitted mostly through blood-to-blood contact, such as shared needles. It often becomes a chronic condition but is now curable with modern antiviral medications.
Hepatitis D: A rare but severe form of hepatitis that only affects individuals already infected with Hepatitis B. Co-infection increases the risk of rapid disease progression.
Hepatitis E: Typically contracted through contaminated water, especially in areas with poor sanitation. It usually causes acute illness, but it can be severe in pregnant women.

Causes

Viral infections (A–E): The most common causes globally, each with distinct modes of transmission.
Autoimmune hepatitis: A condition where the immune system attacks liver cells.
Alcohol-induced liver inflammation: Excessive alcohol intake over time can lead to hepatitis.
Medication-induced hepatitis: Certain drugs and supplements may harm the liver, especially when used in high doses or over long periods.
Fatty liver progression: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), eventually leading to hepatitis.

Treatments & Procedures

Antiviral medications Liver protection and support Vaccination Regular monitoring Nutritional and lifestyle counseling

Antiviral medications

Chronic hepatitis B and C are treated with targeted antivirals that reduce viral replication, halt disease progression, and in many cases, achieve full viral suppression or cure.

Liver protection and support

Medications along with dietary modifications, help reduce liver stress and promote healing.

Vaccination

Vaccines for hepatitis A and B are administered to at-risk individuals and healthcare workers to prevent infection.

Regular monitoring

Patients with chronic hepatitis undergo routine blood tests and imaging to monitor liver function and detect complications early.

Nutritional and lifestyle counseling

A team of dietitians and specialists guide patients in adopting liver-friendly habits, including avoiding alcohol, managing weight, and eating a balanced diet.

Prevention and Awareness

Get screened and treated for hepatitis by liver care experts at Royal Care Hospital.

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Medical Gastroenterology team

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is hepatitis curable?

Some forms, like Hepatitis A and E, resolve on their own. Hepatitis C is now curable with antiviral medication, and Hepatitis B can be managed effectively.

2. Can hepatitis become chronic?

Yes, especially Hepatitis B and C, which can persist and lead to complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer.

3. Is vaccination available?

Yes, vaccines are available and effective for Hepatitis A and B.

4. How is hepatitis transmitted?

Transmission depends on the type, including via contaminated food/water, blood, bodily fluids, or mother to child.