Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news
Serum Hepatitis - Hepatitis B
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the infection?
With acute hepatitis B, symptoms can vary. In fact, sometimes there are no symptoms. This is called subclinical hepatitis. Hepatitis B can also cause symptoms similar to other types of hepatitis, such as:
These symptoms may last 1 to 3 months. Only half of the people with hepatitis B will develop jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes. The liver can be mildly enlarged and tender. There are usually no other physical signs.
Symptoms of chronic hepatitis B infection also vary. There may not be any symptoms, or possibly only fatigue. There can be occasional worsening of symptoms that may resemble acute hepatitis. Persons with chronic hepatitis may develop cirrhosis, a long-term condition in which the normal tissue of the liver is replaced by scar tissue. Cirrhosis can lead to the following:
Rarely, acute fulminant hepatitis, which involves severe liver cell destruction and loss of liver function, occurs. It can be fatal. Symptoms include: