Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver and has a variety of causes which include viruses, toxins in the environment, and hereditary. The symptoms of hepatitis and liver damage are generally the same no matter what the cause of hepatitis, although not everyone with liver damage has symptoms. People who think they have symptoms of hepatitis should be seen by a doctor and evaluated for signs of damage to the liver.
Identification
Hepatitis can be diagnosed through laboratory tests for viral infections and liver function tests as well as by a physician's examination.
Types
The early symptoms of hepatitis and liver damage may include mild fatigue and abdominal pain, jaundice, vomiting, fever, dark urine and light stool and weight loss caused by poor appetite.
Types
Advanced hepatitis or liver damage sometimes has no symptoms, but when symptoms are present they may include internal bleeding, swelling in the abdomen and legs, bruising without physical injury, and weight loss.
Considerations
People who are infected with more than one type of viral hepatitis, or who have viral hepatitis along with liver damage caused by alcohol or other medical conditions are more likely to experience advanced liver disease such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Misconceptions
According to the Centers for Disease Control, adults who are infected with the hepatitis B or C viruses rarely experience symptoms of liver damage, which may cause delays in treatment or result in transmission of the infection to other people.
Prevention/Solution
Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B are available through doctor's offices and local health department clinics. These vaccinations can prevent infection and subsequent liver damage.
Warning
Hepatitis and liver damage can cause more frequent illnesses and infections, malnutrition, and gastric varices (swollen veins that may burst and cause significant internal bleeding) and cancer of the liver.
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