HepatitisSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Hepatitis
Hepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver.
Hepatitis can be caused by:
- Immune cells in the body attacking the liver (autoimmune hepatitis)
- Infections from viruses (such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C), bacteria, fungi, or parasites
- Liver damage from alcohol or other toxin (such as Amanita mushrooms)
- Medicines, such as an overdose of acetaminophen; other medicines as well as OTC supplements and herbs may also cause acute hepatitis
- Fatty liver
Other causes include Wilson disease, a disorder in which the body retains too much copper.
Common conditions include: Autoimmune Hepatitis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C
Hepatitis may start and get better quickly. It may also become a long-term condition. In some cases, hepatitis may lead to liver damage, liver failure, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or even death.
There are several factors that can affect how severe the condition is. These may include the cause of the liver damage and any illnesses you have. Hepatitis A, for example, is most often short-term and does not lead to chronic liver problems.
The symptoms of hepatitis include:
- Pain or bloating in the belly area
- Dark urine and pale or clay-colored stools
- Fatigue
- Low grade fever
- Itching
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
You may not have symptoms when first infected with hepatitis B or C. You can still develop liver failure later. If you have any risk factors for either type of hepatitis, ask your health care provider whether you should be tested for them.
Your provider will talk to you about treatment options. Treatments will vary depending on the cause of your liver disease. You may need to eat a high-calorie diet if you are losing weight.
Duke Gastroenterology Clinic - Clinic 2J
Andrew Muir is a Hepatologist and a Transplant Surgeon practicing medicine in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Muir is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hepatitis. He is also highly rated in 22 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Hepatitis C, Hepatitis, Sclerosing Cholangitis, Liver Transplant, and Kidney Transplant. Dr. Muir is board certified in American Board Of Internal Med, Gastroenterology and American Board Of Internal Med, Transplant Hepatology. Dr. Muir is currently accepting new patients.
UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
Harrys Torres is an Infectious Disease provider practicing medicine in Cary, North Carolina. Dr. Torres is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hepatitis. He is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Hepatitis C, Hepatitis, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis E.
BIDMC - Division Of Gastroenterology/Liver Center
Gyongyi Szabo is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Szabo is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hepatitis. She is also highly rated in 11 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Hepatitis, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Cirrhosis, Liver Transplant, and Heart Transplant. Dr. Szabo is currently accepting new patients.
More information and support for people with hepatitis and their families can be found by joining a support group. Ask your provider about liver disease resources and support groups in your area.
The outlook for hepatitis will depend on what is causing the liver damage and how severely the hepatitis has affected your liver.
Complications may include:
- Permanent liver damage, called cirrhosis
- Liver failure
- Liver cancer
Seek care immediately if you:
- Have symptoms from too much acetaminophen or other medicines. You may need to have your stomach pumped
- Vomit blood
- Have bloody or tarry stools
- Are confused or delirious
Contact your provider if:
- You have any symptoms of hepatitis or believe that you have been exposed to hepatitis A, B, or C.
- You cannot keep food down due to excessive vomiting. You may need to receive nutrition through a vein (intravenously).
- You feel sick and have traveled to Asia, Africa, South America, or Central America.
Talk to your provider about having a vaccine to prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Avoid alcohol. Treat any underlying conditions that can lead to liver disease, including overweight/obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
Steps for preventing the spread of hepatitis B and C from one person to another include:
- Avoid sharing personal items, such as razors or toothbrushes.
- DO NOT share drug needles or other drug equipment (such as straws for snorting drugs).
- Clean blood spills with a mixture of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water.
- DO NOT get tattoos or body piercings with instruments that have not been cleaned properly.
- Use safer sexual practices.
To reduce your risk for spreading or catching hepatitis A:
- Always wash your hands well after using the restroom, and when you come in contact with an infected person's blood, stools, or other bodily fluid.
- Avoid unclean food and water.
Summary: This study collects specimens from volunteers for use in studies by NIAID's Vaccine Research Center. A number of different types of specimens or samples can be collected, including blood, urine, body fluids or secretions, skin swabs, or skin biopsies. The samples are used for medical research, including the study of HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases; immune system responses, such as responses to ...
Background: The Laboratory of Immune System Biology (LISB) works with other labs at the National Institutes of Health. They study how parts of living things come together to make a whole. LISB designs and improves research tests on human samples like blood and cells. In order to do its work, LISB needs to have a lot of these samples available.
Published Date: January 10, 2026
Published By: Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Viral hepatitis surveillance and case management. www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/php/surveillance-guidance/. Updated February 29, 2024. Accessed January 22, 2026.
Pawlotsky J-M. Acute viral hepatitis. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 134.
Pawlotsky J-M. Chronic viral and autoimmune hepatitis. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 135.
Pedersen MR, Mayo MJ. Autoimmune hepatitis. In: Chung RT, Rubin DT, Wilcox CM, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 92.