Viral hepatitis are infections that affect the liver and can be caused by viruses A, B, C, D and E. Many people live with the disease without knowing it, because in some cases the symptoms are mild or even non-existent at the beginning.

The problem is that, without proper diagnosis and treatment, some forms of hepatitis can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure and even liver cancer.

That is why knowing the warning signs makes a difference.

What is hepatitis?

"Hepatitis" means inflammation of the liver. This inflammation can happen due to viruses, alcohol, medicines, fat in the liver and other diseases.

In viral hepatitis, the liver is attacked by different types of viruses, each with specific forms of transmission, progression and treatment.

Main symptoms of hepatitis

Many forms of hepatitis begin silently. When symptoms appear, the most common ones are:

  • Excessive tiredness

  • Weakness

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Loss of appetite

  • Abdominal pain, mainly on the right side

  • Fever

  • Dark urine

  • Pale stools

  • Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)

  • Itching on the body

In some cases, the person thinks they are simply "unwell" or have a common viral infection.

Icteric syndrome: an important sign

One of the most well-known presentations of hepatitis is the so-called icteric syndrome.

It occurs when there is:

  • Yellowing of the skin

  • Yellowing of the eyes

  • Very dark urine

  • Whitish stools

  • Intense itching

This condition warrants prompt medical evaluation, because it may indicate significant liver inflammation.

Hepatitis A

How is it transmitted?

Hepatitis A is usually transmitted through contaminated water or food, mainly in places with inadequate sanitary conditions.

Transmission can also occur through close contact with infected people.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually appear acutely:

  • Fever

  • Malaise

  • Nausea

  • Abdominal pain

  • Yellowing of the skin

  • Intense tiredness

In children, it often goes unnoticed.

How is the diagnosis made?

The doctor requests blood tests, mainly:

  • Liver function

  • Serology for hepatitis A

What is the treatment?

There is no specific medication to eliminate the hepatitis A virus.

Treatment normally includes:

  • Relative rest

  • Good hydration

  • Balanced diet

  • Avoid alcoholic beverages

  • Medical follow-up

In most cases, the person recovers completely.

Is there a vaccine?

Yes. The hepatitis A vaccine is one of the main forms of prevention.

Hepatitis B

How is it transmitted?

Hepatitis B can be transmitted:

  • Through unprotected sexual intercourse

  • Sharing of sharp objects

  • Contact with contaminated blood

  • From mother to baby during delivery

What are the symptoms?

Many people have no symptoms for years.

When they do appear, they may include:

  • Tiredness

  • Abdominal pain

  • Yellowing of the skin

  • Nausea

  • Malaise

Some patients discover the disease only after changes appear in routine tests.

How is the diagnosis made?

Diagnosis is made through specific blood tests called serologies.

The main markers help identify:

  • Recent infection

  • Past infection

  • Active disease

  • Immunity from vaccination

In some cases, the following are also requested:

  • Viral load

  • Ultrasound

  • Liver elastography

What is the treatment?

Not all patients need medication immediately.

When necessary, antivirals can be used to control virus multiplication and protect the liver.

Medical follow-up is essential to prevent complications.

Is there a vaccine?

Yes. The hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective and is part of the vaccination schedule.

Hepatitis C

How is it transmitted?

The main transmission occurs through contact with contaminated blood.

It can occur:

  • Sharing of needles

  • Non-sterilised materials

  • Old transfusions

  • Procedures without adequate safety

Sexual transmission can happen, but is less common.

What are the symptoms?

Hepatitis C is known for being silent.

Many people go years without symptoms.

When they do appear, they may include:

  • Persistent tiredness

  • Abdominal pain

  • Nausea

  • Yellowing of the skin

  • Abdominal swelling in advanced stages

How is the diagnosis made?

Tests include:

  • Anti-HCV

  • PCR to detect the virus

  • Liver assessment

What is the treatment?

Today there are modern antiviral medicines with high cure rates.

In many cases, treatment lasts only a few weeks.

Early diagnosis greatly increases the chances of avoiding serious complications.

Is there a vaccine?

There is no vaccine against hepatitis C.

Hepatitis D

What is it?

Hepatitis D is a virus that depends on hepatitis B to exist.

In other words: it only occurs in people who already have hepatitis B.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can be more intense:

  • Jaundice

  • Tiredness

  • Abdominal pain

  • Faster progression to cirrhosis

How is the diagnosis made?

The doctor requests:

  • Serology for hepatitis D

  • Assessment of hepatitis B

  • Liver tests

What is the treatment?

Treatment can be more complex and requires specialist follow-up.

Not all patients respond the same way to available medicines.

How to prevent it?

The main prevention is the hepatitis B vaccine.

Those who do not get hepatitis B will also not develop hepatitis D.

Hepatitis E

How is it transmitted?

Transmission is similar to hepatitis A:

  • Contaminated water

  • Contaminated food

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

  • Fever

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Abdominal pain

  • Yellowing of the skin

Who needs more attention?

Pregnant women may present with more severe forms of the disease, especially towards the end of pregnancy.

How is the diagnosis made?

Diagnosis is made with:

  • Blood tests

  • Specific serologies

What is the treatment?

In most cases:

  • Rest

  • Hydration

  • Medical follow-up

The body usually eliminates the virus on its own.

When should you see a doctor?

It is important to seek medical evaluation if you present with:

  • Yellowing of skin or eyes

  • Very dark urine

  • Persistent tiredness

  • Frequent nausea

  • Continuous abdominal pain

  • History of contact with contaminated blood

  • Unprotected sexual intercourse

  • Changes in liver tests

Many forms of hepatitis can be discovered early and treated before causing serious damage.

How to prevent hepatitis?

The main forms of prevention include:

  • Vaccination

  • Use of condoms

  • Not sharing sharp objects

  • Proper food hygiene

  • Treated water

  • Sterilised materials in procedures

Final message

Viral hepatitis does not always cause symptoms at the beginning, and precisely for this reason can go unnoticed for years.

Paying attention to the body's signs and undergoing tests when necessary can make all the difference in early diagnosis and successful treatment.

If you notice persistent symptoms, changes in your skin, unusual tiredness or have risk factors, seek medical evaluation. Taking care of your liver is also taking care of the health of your entire body.

Dr. Rebeca Soares Andrade CRM-GO 39335