What are the symptoms of viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory liver disease caused by various hepatitis viruses. Due to factors such as the type of virus infection, severity of the condition, and individual differences, the symptoms are complex and diverse, including general fatigue and low-grade fever, gastrointestinal discomfort, liver pain, jaundice symptoms, extrahepatic symptoms, etc.

1. Systemic fatigue and low-grade fever: Patients with viral hepatitis often experience symptoms of systemic fatigue, which is due to impaired liver function that affects energy metabolism, resulting in insufficient energy supply to various tissues and organs in the body. Even with sufficient rest, it is difficult to alleviate. At the same time, some patients may experience low-grade fever, with a body temperature generally between 37.5 ℃ and 38 ℃. The degree of fever is not directly related to the severity of the condition, and is usually not accompanied by typical infectious symptoms such as chills. Fever may last for several days to weeks.

2. Gastrointestinal discomfort: The liver is an important digestive organ, and viral hepatitis can seriously affect its digestive function. Patients often have decreased appetite, lack interest in food, and significantly reduce their food intake, especially rejecting greasy foods. It may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, it may even affect normal eating and nutrient intake. In addition, abdominal distension is also a common symptom, which is related to the influence of the liver on the secretion of digestive juices and gastrointestinal motility function.

3. Liver area pain: Patients often feel dull pain, bloating pain, or dull pain in the upper right abdomen, with varying degrees of pain. Generally, the pain is not severe, but it may persist or recur. This is caused by liver enlargement, traction of the liver capsule, or stimulation of nerves by inflammation within the liver. Pain may worsen after fatigue, emotional fluctuations, or consuming greasy food.

4. Symptoms of jaundice: When the liver is severely damaged and bilirubin metabolism is disrupted, patients may experience symptoms of jaundice. Yellowing of the skin and sclera is the most obvious manifestation, and the color of urine will also darken to a dark brown color. As the condition progresses, some patients may also experience skin itching, which is caused by bile acids depositing on the skin and stimulating nerve endings.

5. Extrahepatic symptoms: Some patients with viral hepatitis may also experience extrahepatic symptoms such as joint pain and rash, which are related to abnormal immune system responses. Severe hepatitis patients may also experience coagulation dysfunction, manifested as skin bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, etc. The symptoms of viral hepatitis lack specificity and are easily overlooked or misdiagnosed. If the above symptoms occur, seek medical attention in a timely manner and confirm the diagnosis through liver function, viral markers, and other tests. After diagnosis, active treatment is needed, mainly in two aspects: antiviral and anti fibrotic treatment. Antiviral treatment can take drugs such as entecavir, and anti fibrotic treatment can take Fuzheng Huayu Capsules, which contain ingredients such as Danshen and fermented cordyceps powder. They can reduce liver cell damage, improve the liver microenvironment, assist in relieving discomfort such as fatigue and decreased appetite, and intervene in the progression of liver fibrosis.