Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver—an essential organ that filters blood, aids in digestion, and eliminates waste. When the liver becomes inflamed, it can swell and stop working properly.

There are various types of hepatitis. Common symptoms include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), stomach pain, fever, and changes in urination. These signs often appear within a few weeks after exposure to viruses such as hepatitis A, B, or C—the most common types in the United States.

The way hepatitis presents can vary from person to person. Some people recover quickly, others may never show symptoms, and some may develop long-term complications. When symptoms persist, they can lead to serious outcomes like liver scarring (cirrhosis) or liver failure. Understanding the signs and knowing when to seek help is crucial.

Acute Hepatitis Symptoms

Acute hepatitis occurs shortly after exposure to a hepatitis virus and generally causes short-term symptoms. These usually develop within a few weeks and may last up to six months. Most cases are mild.

Common Symptoms

While each type of hepatitis virus can lead to unique effects, they often share several symptoms:

  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

  • Pain in the right side of the abdomen

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Loss of appetite

  • Fatigue

  • General discomfort or malaise

  • Muscle or joint aches

  • Dark-colored urine

  • Pale-colored stools

Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms.

Rare Symptoms

In rare cases, acute hepatitis may spread and inflame other organs, especially if untreated. Though uncommon, these complications may include:

  • Pericarditis (inflammation of the heart's membrane): chest pain, coughing, breathing difficulties

  • Neuroinflammation (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord): severe headache, muscle weakness, paralysis

  • Pneumonitis (lung inflammation): persistent cough, shortness of breath, unintended weight loss

  • Nephritis (kidney inflammation): leg swelling, water retention, decreased urination

  • Pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation): nausea, rapid heartbeat, abdominal tenderness

Chronic Hepatitis Symptoms

Sometimes, a hepatitis virus causes a chronic infection, leading to long-term liver damage. While hepatitis A does not cause chronic disease, hepatitis B occasionally does. Hepatitis C, however, frequently leads to chronic liver issues.

Chronic hepatitis may go unnoticed at first—some people never have symptoms until years later. When long-term symptoms appear, they increase the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is liver scarring caused by prolonged inflammation. Initially, it may not cause noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, it may lead to:

  • Persistent fatigue

  • Reduced appetite

  • Nausea

  • Abdominal discomfort

  • Swelling in the legs

As the condition worsens, the liver and spleen may enlarge, which can be detected through medical imaging. Eventually, severe cirrhosis may lead to liver failure.

Liver Failure

Excessive liver damage can lead to failure, in which the liver can no longer function correctly. This can result in:

  • Abdominal bloating

  • Mental confusion or disorientation

  • Vomiting and nausea

  • Itchy skin

  • Jaundice

  • Dark urine

  • Easy bruising

If untreated, liver failure can lead to coma. In critical cases, a liver transplant may be necessary. This risk is higher among older individuals and those with existing liver problems.

Liver Cancer

Chronic hepatitis may increase the risk of liver cancer, especially with hepatitis B and C. In the U.S., a significant number of liver cancer cases are linked to these viruses. Treating hepatitis C can significantly reduce the cancer risk.

Liver cancer often has no early symptoms. As it progresses, it can cause:

  • Abdominal bloating

  • Pain in the stomach

  • Jaundice

  • Frequent bruising

  • Vomiting and nausea

  • Severe fatigue

  • Unintentional weight loss

Without timely diagnosis or treatment, liver cancer can be fatal.

Symptoms in Children

Children often respond differently to hepatitis compared to adults:

  • With hepatitis A, nearly 70% of infected adults show symptoms, but only around 30% of children under five do. When symptoms occur in children, they resemble adult symptoms but with a lower chance of jaundice.

  • While chronic hepatitis B affects about 5% of infected adults, it can develop in 25% to 50% of children who contract the virus before age five.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

If you've recently been exposed to hepatitis—such as eating contaminated food or having sexual contact with an infected person—seek medical attention promptly. Your healthcare provider can assess your risk and guide you on treatment options.

You should also consult a provider if you experience hallmark hepatitis symptoms, especially jaundice or worsening stomach pain. Medical evaluation, including physical exams and tests, can help determine whether your symptoms are related to hepatitis or another condition.

A Quick Review

Hepatitis is a liver infection that can result in symptoms like jaundice, nausea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. These may arise within weeks of exposure and typically last up to six months. Some infections can become chronic, leading to serious complications such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or cancer.

Prompt medical care is essential to managing the condition and avoiding long-term harm. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.