Viral hepatitis A, B, C and D
Inflammation of the Liver
Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus, it is infectious and can cause serious liver damage
About viral hepatitis A, B, C and D
Need to know
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Symptoms of Viral hepatitis A B C and D icon plus
Your symptoms will vary depending on the type of viral hepatitis you have. Common symptoms of viral hepatitis include:
- fatigue
- fever
- nausea
- joint or muscle pain
- loss of appetite
- abdominal pain
- diarrhoea
- dark urine
- pale or grey-coloured stools
- itching
- jaundice
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are often chronic but seem symptomless or with only flu-like symptoms. Many people are therefore unaware they are infected.
Hepatitis A and hepatitis E are acute conditions as the body is often able to clear the infection by itself within a few weeks or months. However, both infections can sometimes cause complications in people with a weakened immune system. -
Diagnosis icon plus
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and may recommend certain tests to aid in diagnosis.
Blood tests that look for specific antibodies, such as the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or hepatitis C antibodies (anti-HCV), are usually carried out to distinguish and identify the type of viral infection suspected by your consultant.
Liver function tests (LFTs), a specific group of blood tests, may also be required to check if your liver is inflamed (swollen or irritated).
For even greater accuracy, a PCR test (Polymerase Chain Reaction), which shows if you have the virus itself, such as hepatitis C RNA, may also be considered.
Transient elastography (FibroScan) is uded to measure scarring levels. -
Potential treatment options icon plus
If you've been diagnosed with viral hepatitis, your consultant will discuss your treatment options with you and help to determine the best approach for you. Treatment options include:
- Anti-viral and antineoplastic medication, which stimulates the immune system against the virus, or nucleoside or nucleotide analogues which stop the virus from replicating (hepatitis B).
- Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs) which attacks the virus itself and increasingly used in combination with each other (hepatitis C).
- Anti-viral therapy (hepatitis C).
Options for prevention include vaccination and lifestyle counselling.
Types of viral hepatitis
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis E
Our consultants
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Liver & HPB Unit
The Wellington Liver & HPB Unit
North Building, Circus Road, St John's Wood
London NW8 6DP
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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London Liver Centre
4th Floor, Emblem House
27 Tooley Street
London SE1 2PR
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344