What are the symptoms of viral hepatitis?

Written by Zhang Jian Kang
Infectious Disease
Updated on May 29, 2025
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The symptoms of viral hepatitis mainly manifest as symptoms of liver function impairment. Patients may experience fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, discomfort in the upper abdomen, yellowing of the eyes, and dark urine, among other discomforts. Some patients may initially think it is stomach discomfort and thus visit the gastroenterology department, only later to find out through liver function tests that it is viral hepatitis. In addition to these symptoms, viral hepatitis can present other symptoms. For example, in cases of chronic viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis B and C, patients may exhibit features like chronic liver disease facies, spider angiomas, and palmar erythema. If these symptoms appear, it is essential to visit a hospital promptly to determine the extent of liver function damage and identify the specific cause of the liver damage. Only by identifying the cause can the treatment be effectively administered.

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Written by Zhang Jian Kang
Infectious Disease
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Can people with viral hepatitis eat garlic?

During the acute phase of viral hepatitis, liver function is generally significantly abnormal. Patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, abdominal bloating after eating, and nausea and vomiting. Some may also develop jaundice and yellow urine. For patients with viral hepatitis, it is first recommended to rest in bed. At the same time, a light and low-fat diet should be maintained, and spicy and stimulating foods should be avoided. Therefore, it is not recommended for patients with viral hepatitis to consume spicy and stimulating foods like garlic and chili peppers during the acute phase. It is advisable to eat light foods such as fruits and vegetables. Consuming fatty foods, like pork, lamb, and beef, is also not recommended. Eating these foods may lead to indigestion, and patients may experience significant stomach discomfort.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Is viral hepatitis easy to treat?

In fact, the treatment of viral hepatitis should be based on the actual situation, and many prognoses are very good, with many recovering to a completely normal state and even without recurrence. Different types of viral hepatitis have different characteristics, and the methods and strategies of treatment are also different. Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through the digestive tract and fecal-oral route and are acute self-limiting infectious diseases. During the onset, gastrointestinal isolation, liver protection, and enzyme reduction treatments are implemented. After four to eight weeks, recovery is generally complete. Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child, and general contact does not lead to infection. Antiviral treatment should be administered if there are indications for it.

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Written by Zhang Jian Kang
Infectious Disease
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Do you need a blood transfusion for viral hepatitis?

The treatment of viral hepatitis generally does not require blood transfusion. The primary treatment methods for viral hepatitis include ensuring plenty of rest, eating smaller and more frequent meals, and paying attention to diet. Additionally, medications that protect the liver, reduce enzyme levels, and alleviate jaundice can be used. For viral hepatitis caused by hepatitis B or C, formal antiviral treatment is also necessary. If liver damage is extremely severe, leading to liver failure and very high bilirubin levels, artificial liver treatment can be administered. Artificial liver treatment is of two types: one is plasma exchange, commonly referred to as a blood transfusion, and the other is protein adsorption; both of these methods are relatively effective.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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What are the symptoms of viral hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis, if obvious clinical symptoms occur, usually indicates significant liver dysfunction. The symptoms are mainly related to the condition of liver function. If liver function is significantly abnormal, there will be noticeable clinical symptoms. If liver function is relatively normal, there generally won't be clinical symptoms. Common symptoms include fatigue, aversion to oil, nausea, abdominal bloating, poor appetite, jaundice of skin and mucous membranes, and a range of other symptoms. Some patients may also experience fever during the acute phase.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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What medicine to take for viral hepatitis?

In the treatment and management of viral hepatitis, it is necessary to handle it based on the actual situation, as different types of viral hepatitis have different treatment methods and strategies. For Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E, there are no specific antiviral drugs targeting the virus; the main approach is symptomatic treatment. If liver function is abnormal, it is advisable to choose some liver-protecting and enzyme-lowering drugs. For significantly high levels of bilirubin, one can opt for drugs that reduce jaundice and ensure adequate rest. In the treatment of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, if there are candidates suitable for antiviral treatment, active antiviral therapy should be undertaken. The treatment strategy should be based on the actual situation.