How to Recognize the Symptoms of Hepatitis

The word "hepatitis" is derived from Latin, meaning inflammation. There are five forms of hepatitis: A, B, C, D and E. They can be caused by a series of causes which include a viral or a bacterial infection, poisoning by alcohol or mushrooms, contaminated water, hands or utensils, needles, body fluids such as blood, saliva and even tears, impairment of the normal functioning of the liver owing to injury to the stomach or the peripheral area, autoimmune disorders, contact with infected stools or by unsafe sexual contacts. They can also be transferred to newly born babies by infected mothers. Hepatitis A is the most common one while hepatitis B is the most dangerous form. Hepatitis of all forms show certain common symptoms in the beginning stages or when they are acute however they show further damaging symptoms as they become chronic in nature.

Instructions

• 1

  Find out if the person has nausea, vomiting, loss of hunger and an overall uneasy or restless feeling. They may also experience excessive exhaustion.

• 2

  Check for fever, body aches or faint abdominal pain near the liver area.

• 3

  Ask the person if they suffer from diarrhea. The stool may be faint colored and at times contain pus.

• 4

  Determine if the person's breath stinks and if they complain of a bitter taste in the mouth.

• 5

  Check for more severe symptoms such as jaundice with yellow eyes and skin, severe headache, giddiness and problems related to circulation in case of hepatitis that has been caused by drugs or alcohol.