Hepatitis

Symptoms

The symptoms of hepatitis include:

• Dark urine and pale or clay-colored stools
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain or distention
• General itching
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low grade fever
• Weight loss
• Breast development in males

Many people with hepatitis B or C do not have symptoms when first infected and can still develop liver failure later. If you have any risk factors for either type of hepatitis, you should be tested periodically.

Exams and Tests

A physical examination may show yellowing of the skin, an enlarged and tender liver, or fluid in the abdomen (ascites) that can become infected.

Your doctor may order laboratory tests, including:

• Hepatitis virus serologies
• Liver function tests
• Autoimmune blood markers
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Liver biopsy to determine severity of the liver damage
• Paracentesis if fluid in your abdomen is present

References

Rocca LG. Management of patients with hepatitis C in a community setting: diagnosis, discussions and decisions to treat. Ann Fam Med. 2004; 2(2): 116-124.

Lin KW. Hepatitis B. Am Fam Physician. 2004; 69(1): 75-82.

Zimmerman RK. Recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedule. Am Fam Physician. 2003; 67(1): 188,190, 195-196.