From the Guidelines
The first symptoms of viral hepatitis typically include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, mild fever, and general malaise, often resembling a flu-like illness, and may appear 2-6 weeks after infection, depending on the specific hepatitis virus. These symptoms can vary in severity and duration based on the specific virus type (A, B, C, D, or E) and the patient's overall health status 1. According to the most recent study, approximately 75% of cases of acute HCV infection are asymptomatic, but when symptoms occur, they include abdominal pain, nausea, anorexia, jaundice, and malaise 1.
Key Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain (especially in the right upper quadrant)
- Loss of appetite
- Mild fever
- General malaise
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored stools
As the disease progresses, some patients may develop more severe symptoms, such as hepatomegaly or splenomegaly, and in rare cases, the infection can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or even hepatocellular carcinoma 1. It is essential to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms persist or worsen over time, especially if jaundice is present, to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment through blood tests that can identify the specific virus and assess liver damage 1.
Importance of Medical Attention
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications
- Blood tests can identify the specific virus and assess liver damage
- Medical attention is crucial for patients with severe symptoms or those who are at high risk of developing chronic liver disease.
From the Research
First Symptoms of Viral Hepatitis
The first symptoms of viral hepatitis can vary, but common symptoms include:
- Elevated body temperature persisting for days
- Fatigue
- Gradual loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Dull pain and discomfort on the right lower side of the abdomen
- Vomiting
- Multiple loose stools
- Dark urine
- Jaundice of the skin and mucosa
- Light stools 2
Clinical Stages of Viral Hepatitis
The clinical stages of viral hepatitis can be divided into four stages:
- Incubation or preclinical stage characterized by intensive virus replication
- Prodromal or preicteric stage with pronounced general symptoms of infection
- Icteric stage
- Stage of recovery 2
Diagnosis of Viral Hepatitis
The diagnosis of viral hepatitis can be made using serologic tests, which can identify the specific type of hepatitis virus causing the infection 3, 4 The laboratory tests available for diagnosing viral hepatitis include: