Hepatitis: Types, Tests & Symptoms
Learn hepatitis types, tests, and hepatitis symptoms. See how it spreads, when to test, and prevention and treatment options from trusted sources.
Written by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai
Reviewed by Dr. M L Ezhilarasan MBBS
Last updated on 4th Dec, 2025
.webp?tr=q-80,f-webp,w-350,dpr-2,c-at_max 700w)
Introduction
Your liver quietly powers hundreds of jobs every day—filtering toxins, supporting digestion, storing energy, and more. When it becomes inflamed, a condition called hepatitis, those functions can suffer. Understanding hepatitis types, how it spreads, and especially the early hepatitis symptoms can help you protect your health and the health of people around you. The good news is that many forms are preventable or treatable. With timely testing and care, most people can live full, healthy lives.
Consult a Top General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. This inflammation can occur suddenly or develop gradually over years. Because the liver is responsible for essential metabolic and detoxifying functions, inflammation can interfere with the body’s natural balance. While viruses are the most frequent cause worldwide, the condition can also stem from alcohol misuse, medication reactions, autoimmune issues, or metabolic disorders.
There are two broad categories of hepatitis:
- Acute hepatitis: lasts under 6 months; many people recover fully.
- Chronic hepatitis: lasts 6 months or longer and may silently damage the liver over time, potentially leading to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
Common Hepatitis Symptoms To Watch For?
Many individuals, especially those with chronic hepatitis B or C, may not notice symptoms for years. When symptoms do appear, they can vary widely depending on the cause, severity, and duration of inflammation. Recognising these signs early can support timely diagnosis and treatment.
- Tiredness and low energy
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
- Belly pain, especially in the upper right side
- Dark urine; light or clay-coloured stools
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Itchy skin
- Joint or muscle aches
- Confusion or sleepiness in severe cases
- Urgent symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, prolonged vomiting, confusion, or jaundice require medical attention promptly.
Types Of Hepatitis: A, B, C, D And E
The types of hepatitis A, B, C, D & E include:
Hepatitis A (HAV)
- How it spreads: contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person.
- Illness pattern: acute only; does not become chronic.
- Symptoms: sudden fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice.
- Prevention: safe food and water, handwashing, and vaccination.
- Treatment: rest, fluids, and monitoring; most recover fully.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
- How it spreads: blood and body fluids, including childbirth, unprotected sex, sharing needles, and unsafe medical practices.
- Illness pattern: acute or chronic; infants have the highest risk of chronic infection.
- Risks: chronic HBV may lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
- Prevention: vaccination, safer sex, sterile instruments, screening during pregnancy.
- Treatment: antiviral medicines when indicated, with regular medical monitoring.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
- How it spreads: mainly blood-to-blood contact, especially through shared injection equipment.
Illness pattern: may become chronic. - Treatment: curable for most people with 8–12 weeks of direct-acting antivirals.
- Prevention: no vaccine yet; avoid sharing items that may contain blood.
Hepatitis D (HDV)
- How it spreads: blood contact; only affects people with hepatitis B.
- Illness pattern: often more severe than HBV alone.
- Prevention: hepatitis B vaccination prevents HDV infection.
- Treatment: specialist management due to complex treatment needs.
Hepatitis E (HEV)
- How it spreads: contaminated water or undercooked pork/wild game in some regions.
- Illness pattern: usually acute; can be severe in pregnancy or chronic in immunocompromised people.
- Prevention: safe water and food; vaccines available in limited regions.
- Treatment: supportive care; specialised care if severe.
How Hepatitis Spreads?
Understanding transmission helps you protect yourself and others.
Faecal-Oral Transmission (HAV And HEV)
- Contaminated food or water
- Close contact with an infected individual
Blood And Body Fluid Transmission (HBV, HCV, HDV)
- Sharing needles or drug-use equipment
- Needle-stick injuries or unsafe procedures
- Unprotected sex
- Transmission during childbirth
- Sharing razors, toothbrushes, or items with potential blood exposure
Who Is At Higher Risk?
Groups at higher risk:
- People who inject drugs
- Infants born to HBV or HCV-positive mothers
- People with multiple sexual partners or unprotected sex
- Household or sexual contacts of someone infected
- Healthcare and public safety workers
- Travellers to regions with poor sanitation
- People receiving haemodialysis
- Individuals with HIV or weakened immune systems
How do Doctors Test For Hepatitis?
Doctors test for hepatitis through:
Blood Tests
- Liver enzyme tests such as ALT, AST, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and albumin
- Viral-specific tests, including:
- Hepatitis A: IgM anti-HAV
- Hepatitis B: HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, HBV DNA
- Hepatitis C: anti-HCV followed by HCV RNA
- Hepatitis D: HDV antibodies and RNA
- Hepatitis E: IgM anti-HEV or HEV RNA
Imaging And Fibrosis Assessment
- Ultrasound
- Elastography (such as FibroScan)
- MRI
Liver Biopsy
- Occasionally used for assessing inflammation or scarring.
Important notes:
- Some tests have window periods, so repeat testing may be required.
- Many countries recommend once-in-a-lifetime screening for hepatitis B and C.
- Pregnant individuals should be tested for HBV and often HCV.
Treatment Options
The treatment options include:
Hepatitis A And E
- Rest, hydration, and monitoring
- Avoid alcohol
- Consult clinicians before using any medication or supplement
Hepatitis B
- Not all need treatment immediately
- Antivirals may reduce damage and lower cancer risk
- Regular monitoring remains essential
Hepatitis C
- Most can be cured with 8–12 week antiviral regimens
- Cure reduces long-term risks, including cirrhosis and liver cancer
Hepatitis D
- Specialist care required
- Treatment options continue to evolve
Supportive Care For All Types
- Avoid alcohol
- Use medicines only under medical guidance
- Get vaccinated for HAV and HBV if indicated
- Manage weight, diabetes, cholesterol, and other health risks
Pregnant Or Planning Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy:
- Hepatitis B: screening is routine; newborns can be protected immediately after birth.
- Hepatitis C: testing is recommended; some treatments are being studied for use during pregnancy.
Possible Complications and When to Seek Care?
Complications may include:
- Fibrosis or cirrhosis
- Liver failure
- Liver cancer
- Skin, kidney, or blood-related conditions (particularly with chronic HCV)
Seek urgent medical care for:
- Jaundice, dark urine, or pale stools
- Persistent vomiting or fever
- Confusion or extreme sleepiness
- Heavy bleeding or unusual bruising
- Known exposure to hepatitis viruses
Vaccines and Everyday Steps
Prevention & vaccines include:
Vaccination
- Hepatitis A: recommended for children, travellers, and those with chronic liver disease
- Hepatitis B: recommended for all infants and unvaccinated adults; prevents hepatitis D as well
Everyday Steps
- Regular handwashing
- Drink safe water; avoid unsafe foods when travelling
- Practise safer sex
- Never share needles or drug-use supplies
- Ensure sterile equipment for tattoos or piercings
- Ask about post-exposure prophylaxis after HBV exposure
- Follow medical guidance to reduce transmission if infected
Living Well With Hepatitis
- Adapting to a hepatitis diagnosis can take time, yet many people live healthy, active lives.
- Attend regular appointments
- Take medicines as prescribed
- Avoid alcohol
- Maintain vaccinations
- Eat balanced meals and stay active
- Seek support when needed
Conclusion
Hepatitis is a complex condition, but early understanding, timely testing, and proactive prevention make a profound difference. Recognising symptoms helps you seek care quickly, while knowing how each type spreads allows you to minimise risk for yourself and others. Safe practices, vaccination, and regular screening serve as powerful tools in protecting liver health. For those already diagnosed, modern treatments offer strong outcomes, particularly for hepatitis B and C. With consistent medical guidance and healthy habits, most people can manage hepatitis effectively and continue to lead active, fulfilling lives.
Consult a Top General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Consult a Top General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr Syed Mateen Pasha
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Syed Ismail Ali
General Practitioner
7 Years • MBBS
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Johnson. S
General Practitioner
7 Years • MBBS MD(Preventive and social Medicine)
Pune
Apollo Clinic, Nigdi, Pune
Dr. Karanam Kondalamma
General Practitioner
4 Years • MBBS
Hyderabad
KK Clinic, Hyderabad
Consult a Top General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr Syed Mateen Pasha
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Syed Ismail Ali
General Practitioner
7 Years • MBBS
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Johnson. S
General Practitioner
7 Years • MBBS MD(Preventive and social Medicine)
Pune
Apollo Clinic, Nigdi, Pune
Dr. Karanam Kondalamma
General Practitioner
4 Years • MBBS
Hyderabad
KK Clinic, Hyderabad
More articles from Hepatitis
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Early Hepatitis Symptoms?
Early hepatitis symptoms often begin subtly, which is why many people overlook them. Fatigue, appetite loss, nausea, and mild fever can appear during the initial phase, sometimes accompanied by a vague discomfort in the upper right abdomen. Jaundice, dark urine, and pale stools tend to emerge later and signal more significant liver inflammation.
Can I Have Hepatitis Without Jaundice?
Yes, it’s entirely possible to have hepatitis without jaundice. Many individuals never experience noticeable yellowing of the eyes or skin, even when the liver is inflamed. This is especially common with chronic hepatitis B or C, where people may remain symptom-free for years, making screening crucial for early detection.
Is Hepatitis Contagious?
Some forms of hepatitis are contagious, but the route of transmission differs by type. Hepatitis A and E spread mainly through contaminated food or water, while hepatitis B, C, and D pass through blood or bodily fluids. Because vaccines protect against hepatitis A and B, preventing HBV also indirectly prevents hepatitis D infection.
How Is Hepatitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves blood tests that check liver enzymes and identify specific viral markers. Doctors may use imaging, such as ultrasound, to evaluate the liver’s structure, and in some cases, a liver biopsy offers more detailed insight. These tools together help determine the type of hepatitis, its activity, and whether complications are developing.
When Should I Get Tested?
Testing is recommended when symptoms appear, after a known exposure, or if you have risk factors. Many health guidelines suggest at least one lifetime screening for hepatitis B and C in adulthood. Pregnant individuals are routinely tested for HBV—and often HCV—to ensure early care for both parent and baby.