Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Acute Hepatitis?

Emma Lloyd
Emma Lloyd

Acute hepatitis is liver inflammation that lasts less than six months and often is of sudden onset. This type of hepatitis is most often caused by infection with the hepatitis A virus, but it also can occur as a result of infection with the hepatitis viruses B, C, D or E. Other viruses that infect the liver, such as yellow fever virus and Epstein-Barr virus, normally do not cause acute hepatitis. Non-viral causes of this type of hepatitis include bacterial or amebic infection, drug overdose, abnormal drug reaction and alcohol poisoning.

Hepatitis and other causes of liver inflammation can damage the liver in two different ways. The first is direct damage caused by infection of liver cells, or by toxic effects of medications or drugs. The second mechanism of liver damage occurs when hepatitis is the result of an infection and is mediated by the immune system’s inflammatory response to the infection. In the immune response to infection, inflammation plays a key role by recruiting infection-fighting immune cells to the site of infection, but this same inflammation sometimes also is responsible for temporary or permanent liver damage.

Individuals suffering with acute hepatitis may eventually require an organ transplant.
Individuals suffering with acute hepatitis may eventually require an organ transplant.

Common symptoms of the early stages of acute hepatitis include malaise, muscle and joint aches, skin rash, fever, nausea, reduced appetite, diarrhea and headaches. It also is common to experience pain just beneath the ribs on the right side of the body. As the disease progresses, many of these initial symptoms subside somewhat and typically are replaced by the appearance of jaundice, or yellowed skin, and dark-colored urine. After the jaundice subsides, the patient is said to be in recovery, and during this time, he or she will retain a feeling of intense fatigue and tiredness that might linger for several weeks.

Headaches occur in the early stages of hepatitis.
Headaches occur in the early stages of hepatitis.

Treatment for acute hepatitis generally is supportive in nature, because there is no specific treatment that can cure this liver disease. In the case of acute viral hepatitis, for example, treatment might include anti-viral medication and perhaps anti-emetic medication to control nausea and vomiting. If a patient becomes severely dehydrated, he or she might be hospitalized for rehydration with intravenous fluids.

Nausea can occur in the early stages of acute hepatitis.
Nausea can occur in the early stages of acute hepatitis.

In a small percentage of people, acute hepatitis can progress to liver failure. This can occur if the liver becomes permanently damaged as a result of inflammation. In the case of liver failure, there can arise complications such as hepatic encephalopathy, in which the brain is affected by a build-up of toxins in the bloodstream. Liver failure can become life-threatening, and someone with liver failure might eventually require an organ transplant.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Individuals suffering with acute hepatitis may eventually require an organ transplant.
      By: RioPatuca Images
      Individuals suffering with acute hepatitis may eventually require an organ transplant.
    • Headaches occur in the early stages of hepatitis.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Headaches occur in the early stages of hepatitis.
    • Nausea can occur in the early stages of acute hepatitis.
      By: Adam Gregor
      Nausea can occur in the early stages of acute hepatitis.
    • A drug overdose can cause acute hepatitis.
      By: Photobank
      A drug overdose can cause acute hepatitis.
    • Malaise is a common early symptom of acute hepatitis.
      By: Martinan
      Malaise is a common early symptom of acute hepatitis.
    • A fever is often one of the first signs of acute hepatitis.
      By: Photographee.eu
      A fever is often one of the first signs of acute hepatitis.
    • Hepatitis, a type of liver inflammation, can damaged the liver.
      By: nerthuz
      Hepatitis, a type of liver inflammation, can damaged the liver.
    • Intravenous fluids and medications may be given to treat or prevent dehydration caused by acute hepatitis.
      By: ShpilbergStudios
      Intravenous fluids and medications may be given to treat or prevent dehydration caused by acute hepatitis.