What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis means inflammation/swelling of the liver. The liver is a very important organ that helps digest food, stores energy, and removes toxins from the body.
Hepatitis can be caused by:
- Viruses (like Hepatitis A, B, C and E)
- Alcohol
- Certain medicines
- Fatty liver disease
- Autoimmune conditions (when the body's own immune system attacks the liver)
Most of the times, hepatitis is mild and goes away on its own, especially in the case of Hepatitis A or E. Other times, especially with Hepatitis B or C/ autoimmune, it can last a long time and cause more serious damage.
What is Jaundice?
Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes. It happens when a yellow pigment called bilirubin builds up in the blood. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and gets rid of it. But if the liver is not working well (like in hepatitis), bilirubin builds up and causes jaundice.
Other symptoms include:
- Dark yellow or brown urine
- Pale stools
- Itchy skin
- Tiredness
- Poor appetite
How are Hepatitis and Jaundice related?
MHepatitis is one of the most common causes of jaundice. When the liver is inflamed, it can’t clear out bilirubin properly, leading to jaundice. So, jaundice is a symptom, and hepatitis can be one of the causes.
Is it Serious?
- Mostly both hepatitis and jaundice are mild and improves in few weeks’ time
- In other cases, they can be signs of more serious liver problems.
- It’s important to see a doctor if someone has yellow skin or eyes, especially with fever, tiredness, or pain in the upper belly.
Treatment
- Rest and good nutrition are most important.
- Normal small frequent meals are recommended.
- For viral hepatitis, treatment depends on the type.
- Avoid alcohol and certain medicines that can harm the liver.
- In long-term or serious cases, stronger medications or other treatments might be needed.