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Signs And Symptoms Of Acute And Chronic Hepatitis
Medically reviewed by Steffini Stalos, DO
Hepatitis (sometimes also called viral hepatitis) is a general term that describes the inflammation of the liver, which is an organ that helps get rid of waste, filters the blood, and helps with digestion. If you develop hepatitis, it can cause your liver to swell and affect its function.
There are several types of hepatitis and common symptoms of the condition include jaundice (or, the yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, fever, and urinary changes. These symptoms may occur within a few weeks of exposure to a hepatitis virus, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C— the most common types of hepatitis in the U.S.
Symptoms of hepatitis can affect everyone a little differently. You might have symptoms that go away within a few weeks or have no symptoms at all. Some people may also experience long-term symptoms, which can be a result of chronic hepatitis infection. If your hepatitis symptoms persist, you may experience more serious symptoms such as scarring of the liver (known as cirrhosis) or liver failure. That's why it's essential to know the symptoms and understand when to seek care.
Acute Hepatitis SymptomsWhen you are first exposed to a hepatitis virus, you may experience acute (or, short-term) symptoms in the first few weeks of your infection. Sometimes, symptoms can last up to six months. But generally, these symptoms tend to be mild.
Common SymptomsEach type of viral hepatitis can produce its own unique set of symptoms. However, there are some common symptoms that they share. These symptoms include:
It's worth noting that while these are common signs of hepatitis, you might not experience all of these symptoms.
Rare SymptomsWhile rare, it is possible for acute hepatitis to spread and damage or inflame other organs in your body. This can sometimes lead to more significant symptoms. It's important to know that these symptoms should not be a concern if you're actively receiving treatment for your condition. However, if hepatitis is left untreated, you may be at risk of developing the following:
Inflammation of the...
Condition Name
Related Symptoms
Heart's membrane
Pericarditis
Chest pain, coughing, and trouble breathing
Brain and spinal cord
Neuroinflammation
Muscle weakness, paralysis, and intense headaches
Lungs
Pneumonitis
Difficulty breathing, worsening cough, and unintentional weight loss
Kidneys
Nephritis
Leg swelling, water retention, and infrequent urination
Pancreas
Pancreatitis
Nausea, rapid heart rate, and severe stomach tenderness
Chronic Hepatitis SymptomsIn some cases, viral hepatitis can lead to chronic viral infection and long-term liver disease. Statistically, hepatitis A never leads to chronic disease and a small percentage of people with hepatitis B develop long-term symptoms. In contrast, 75% to 85% of people living with hepatitis C can develop chronic liver disease.
Some people who eventually develop symptoms of chronic hepatitis may have never experienced symptoms when they first developed the infection. In fact, you might not even know about your condition until years after the initial infection. If you do develop long-term hepatitis symptoms, however, you may be at an increased risk of experiencing cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver failure, and liver cancer.
CirrhosisChronic hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis—or, scarring of the liver. At first, cirrhosis doesn't always cause symptoms. But as cirrhosis progresses, you might develop mild symptoms, such as:
Eventually, cirrhosis can also cause an enlarged liver and spleen. Your healthcare provider may notice the changes in the size of these organs on a diagnostic exam, such as an ultrasound.If your cirrhosis worsens further, you may also be at an increased risk of developing liver failure.
Liver FailureExcess damage to the liver, as a result of scarring or inflammation, can lead to liver failure. This can cause a loss of proper functioning of the liver and induce a variety of symptoms, such as:
If liver failure becomes severe, you may be at risk of going into a coma. Some people may also need a liver transplant to survive—which is a surgery that uses a liver from an organ donor and replaces a damaged liver. Keep in mind: liver failure is more likely to occur in older adults and those that live with an underlying liver condition.
Liver CancerChronic hepatitis can increase your risk of having liver cancer. But, it's vital to note that not everyone with hepatitis eventually develops liver cancer, as only certain types of hepatitis pose the greatest risk. In the U.S., studies estimate that nearly 50% of people with liver cancer have had hepatitis C and 15% of those with the condition have had hepatitis B. Fortunately, successful treatment of hepatitis C can reduce your cancer risk by 75%.
At first, liver cancer doesn't usually cause any symptoms. But as your condition worsens, you may experience symptoms such as:
Unfortunately, if you don't treat liver cancer or receive a late diagnosis, the condition can become fatal. That said, it's essential to see your healthcare provider as soon as you can if you develop concerning signs or changes to your liver health.
Symptoms in ChildrenChildren with hepatitis may experience symptoms differently than adults living with the condition. These are some differences to be aware of:
Nearly 70% of adults with hepatitis A show symptoms after exposure to the virus, but only 30% of children under the age of five show any symptoms at all. When children do get sick, they tend to have similar symptoms as adults, but with a lower risk of developing jaundice.
Hepatitis B only turns into a chronic illness in about 5% of adults who contract the virus in adulthood. However, 25% to 50% of children who are exposed to the virus before the age of five will eventually develop chronic liver disease.
If you were recently exposed to a type of hepatitis, it's important to seek a healthcare provider promptly. You may not always know if you have an infection, but if you recently ate contaminated food or engaged in sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis, you may be at risk of experiencing symptoms of the condition yourself. In such cases, your healthcare provider can help you figure out next steps and get you started on a treatment plan.
You should also contact a healthcare provider if you have any hallmark symptoms of hepatitis such as jaundice or sudden and worsening stomach pain. During your appointment, your provider can perform a physical exam and order tests to help you learn whether your symptoms are due to hepatitis, a different liver problem, or another health condition.
A Quick ReviewHepatitis is a viral infection that can cause symptoms such as jaundice, nausea, abdominal pain, and fever. You might develop symptoms a few weeks after exposure to a hepatitis virus and mild symptoms can last up to six months. In some cases, an acute (short-term) infection can turn into chronic (long-term) hepatitis, which poses serious complications, such as cirrhosis and liver failure.
If you think you may have been exposed to hepatitis or are experiencing symptoms of the condition, it's essential to reach out for medical care as soon as possible. Doing so can help get your started on treatment sooner and reduce the risk of developing long-term complications.
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow long can you have hepatitis without knowing?
Sometimes, acute and chronic hepatitis may not cause any symptoms. It's possible to have chronic hepatitis for several years without knowing. You may not learn about your condition until you are experiencing complications of liver disease and receive a proper diagnosis.
Can hepatitis go away on its own?
Hepatitis can sometimes go away without treatment. Bu if you suspect you have the condition, it's important to seek medical care anyway in order to reduce your risk of developing long-term complications.
What happens if hepatitis symptoms are left untreated?
Acute cases of hepatitis often heal with proper treatment. However, if you have chronic hepatitis and don't seek treatment or receive a diagnosis, hepatitis can cause complications such as liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
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Are You At Risk For Hepatitis?
Laurel Kelly Mayo Clinic News Network
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. The five main strains of the hepatitis virus are referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. While they all cause liver disease, they differ in geographic prevalence, modes of transmission, severity of illness and prevention methods, according to the World Health Organization.
In the U.S., the most common types of hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is highly contagious, spreading through contact with contaminated food or water, or from close contact with an infected person or object. Unlike other types of viral hepatitis, hepatitis A does not cause long-term liver damage, and it doesn't become chronic.
In rare cases, hepatitis A can cause a sudden loss of liver function, especially in older adults or people with chronic liver diseases. Acute liver failure requires a stay in the hospital for monitoring and treatment. Some people with acute liver failure may need a liver transplant.
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Mild cases of hepatitis A don't require treatment, and most people who are infected recover completely with no permanent liver damage. Practicing good hygiene, including frequent hand-washing, is one of the best ways to protect against hepatitis A.
You're at increased risk of hepatitis A if you:
• Travel or work in areas of the world where hepatitis A is common.
• Live with another person who has hepatitis A.
• Are a man who has sexual contact with other men.
• Have any type of sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis A.
• Use any type of recreational drugs, not just those that are injected.
The hepatitis A vaccine can prevent infection with the virus. If you're concerned about your risk of hepatitis A, ask your health care professional if you should be vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is passed from person to person through blood, semen or other bodily fluids. It does not spread by sneezing or coughing.
For most people, hepatitis B is short term, also called acute, and lasts less than six months. For others, hepatitis B infection becomes chronic, which increases their risk of developing liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis. The younger people are when they get hepatitis B, particularly newborns or children younger than 5, the higher the risk of the infection becoming chronic.
Chronic infection may go undetected for decades until a person becomes seriously ill from liver disease. A vaccine can prevent hepatitis B, but there's no cure if you have the condition.
Your risk of hepatitis B infection increases if you:
• Have unprotected sex with multiple sex partners or with someone who's infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV).
• Share needles during IV drug use.
• Are a man who has sex with other men.
• Live with someone who has a chronic HBV infection.
• Are an infant born to an infected mother.
• Have a job that exposes you to human blood.
• Travel to regions with high infection rates of HBV, such as Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa and Eastern Europe.
Hepatitis B is a common reason for liver transplants in the U.S.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is transmitted primarily by contaminated blood, and it also is a common reason for liver transplants in the U.S. Hepatitis C usually can be cured with oral medications taken every day for two to six months. But many people don't know they're infected because they have no symptoms, which can take decades to appear.
Hepatitis C infection that continues over many years can cause significant complications, including cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all adults ages 18 to 79 be screened for hepatitis C, even those without symptoms or known liver disease. The largest group at risk includes everyone born between 1945 and 1965 — a population five times more likely to be infected than those born in other years.
Your risk of hepatitis C infection is increased if you:
• Are a health care worker who has been exposed to infected blood, which may happen if an infected needle pierces your skin.
• Have ever injected or inhaled illicit drugs.
• Received a piercing or tattoo in an unclean environment using unsterile equipment.
• Received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992.
• Received clotting factor concentrates before 1987.
• Received hemodialysis treatments for a long period of time.
• Were born to a woman with a hepatitis C infection.
• Were ever in prison.
• Were born between 1945 and 1965, the age group with the highest incidence of hepatitis C infection.
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More That 50% Individuals Suffer From Hepatitis
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