Hepatitis

The word "hepatitis" means inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by a number of agents, including bacteria, drugs, toxins and excess alcohol, but of serious concern is hepatitis that results when any one of several hepatitis viruses infects the liver.

The symptoms of hepatitis vary a great deal. A large number of people have no symptoms at all, while others have severe symptoms. Early signs are similar to the flu - general fatigue, joint and muscle pain, and a loss of appetite. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea or constipation may follow with a low-grade fever. As the disease progresses, a tenderness may exist in the liver area (upper right side of the abdomen) and jaundice (yellow skin) may occur. Even mild forms of the disease can lead to serious complications. Simple blood tests are necessary to determine with certainty if you have hepatitis and, if so, what type of hepatitis, so that the proper treatment can be given.

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