Viral hepatitis is an infection that affects 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 nonexistent at the beginning.

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

That's 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, medications, 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 hepatitis cases begin silently. When symptoms appear, the most common are:

  • Excessive fatigue

  • 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)

  • Body itching

In some cases, the person thinks they are just "unwell" or have a common virus.

Icteric syndrome: an important sign

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

It happens when there is:

  • Yellowed skin

  • Yellowed eyes

  • Very dark urine

  • Whitish stools

  • Intense itching

This condition warrants quick medical evaluation, because it can indicate significant inflammation of the liver.

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

  • Yellowed skin

  • Intense fatigue

In children, it often goes unnoticed.

How is diagnosis made?

The doctor orders 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 usually includes:

  • Relative rest

  • Good hydration

  • Balanced diet

  • Avoiding alcoholic beverages

  • Medical follow-up

In most cases, the person recovers completely.

Is there a vaccine?

Yes. The vaccine against hepatitis A 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 show no symptoms for years.

When they appear, they may include:

  • Fatigue

  • Abdominal pain

  • Yellowed skin

  • Nausea

  • Malaise

Some patients discover the disease only after alterations in routine tests.

How is diagnosis made?

Diagnosis is made by specific blood tests called serologies.

The main markers help identify:

  • Recent infection

  • Old infection

  • Active disease

  • Immunity from vaccine

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 vaccine against hepatitis B 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-sterilized materials

  • Old blood 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 appear, they may include:

  • Persistent fatigue

  • Abdominal pain

  • Nausea

  • Yellowed skin

  • Abdominal swelling in advanced stages

How is diagnosis made?

Tests include:

  • Anti-HCV

  • PCR to detect the virus

  • Evaluation of the liver

What is the treatment?

Today there are modern antiviral medications 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

  • Fatigue

  • Abdominal pain

  • Faster progression to cirrhosis

How is diagnosis made?

The doctor requests:

  • Serology for hepatitis D

  • Evaluation of hepatitis B

  • Liver tests

What is the treatment?

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

Not all patients respond the same way to available medications.

How to prevent it?

The main prevention is the vaccine against hepatitis B.

Those who don't get hepatitis B also won't 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

  • Yellowed skin

Who needs more attention?

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

How is 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 to see a doctor?

It is important to seek medical evaluation if you experience:

  • Yellowing of skin or eyes

  • Very dark urine

  • Persistent fatigue

  • Frequent nausea

  • Continuous abdominal pain

  • History of contact with contaminated blood

  • Unprotected sexual intercourse

  • Alterations in liver tests

Many hepatitis cases 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

  • Sterilized materials in procedures

Final message

Viral hepatitis doesn't always cause symptoms at the beginning, and precisely because of that it can go unnoticed for years.

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

If you notice persistent symptoms, skin changes, unusual fatigue, or have risk factors, seek medical evaluation. Taking care of your liver is also taking care of your overall health.

Dr. Rebeca Soares Andrade CRM-GO 39335