Hepatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Written by Harsha Moole, MD. Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Hepatitis?
A primary care doctor can start the evaluation with a physical exam and blood tests. A gastroenterologist is a doctor who treats digestive and liver problems. A hepatologist is a liver doctor. Either can help with long-term types. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Inflammation is swelling that happens when tissues of the body are injured or infected. This swelling and damage can affect how well your liver works. Hepatitis can be an acute infection or a chronic infection. Acute means short-term. Chronic means long-term. The liver is about the size of a football. It sits on the upper right side of the body, behind the lower ribs.
Symptoms
Some people with hepatitis do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected. If you do have symptoms, they may include:
- Fever
- Fatigue, or feeling very tired
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Belly pain
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored bowel movements
- Joint pain
- Jaundice, which is yellow skin and eyes
With an acute infection, symptoms can start 2 weeks to 6 months after infection. With a chronic infection, you may not have symptoms until many years later. Chronic hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver. It can also lead to liver failure and liver cancer.
Causes and who gets it
There are different types of hepatitis, with different causes:
- Viral hepatitis is the most common type. Hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, and E cause it.
- Alcoholic hepatitis is caused by heavy alcohol use.
- Toxic hepatitis can be caused by certain poisons, chemicals, medicines, or supplements.
- Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic type. Your body's immune system attacks your liver.
In the United States, hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common viral types. Hepatitis A and E usually spread through food or water that has an infected person's stool in it. Hepatitis B, C, and D spread through contact with the blood of someone who has the disease. This can happen by sharing drug needles or having unprotected sex. People who drink a lot over long periods are at risk for alcoholic hepatitis.
How doctors diagnose it
To diagnose hepatitis, your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. You will have a physical exam. You will likely have blood tests, including tests for viral hepatitis. Imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI might be done. You may need a liver biopsy to get a clear diagnosis and check for liver damage. Getting tested is the only way to know if you have viral hepatitis.
Treatment
Treatment depends on which type you have and whether it is acute or chronic. Acute viral hepatitis often goes away on its own. You may just need to rest and get enough fluids. You might even need treatment in a hospital. There are different medicines for the different chronic types. Hepatitis C can be cured with pills. Medicines for chronic hepatitis B are not a cure. They only help some people. People who have alcoholic hepatitis need to stop drinking. If chronic hepatitis leads to liver failure or liver cancer, you may need a liver transplant.
There are vaccines to prevent hepatitis A and B. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. Autoimmune hepatitis cannot be prevented.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have symptoms and think you might have been exposed to hepatitis A. A blood test can check. Getting tested is the only way to know if you have viral hepatitis. Doctors typically recommend hepatitis C screening at least one time for all adults. If you have hepatitis C, talk to your doctor right away about starting treatment. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have confusion, unusual behavior, trouble waking up, vomiting blood, severe belly pain, or fainting.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A doctor like this can order hepatitis blood tests and explain the results. They can also help you keep up with follow-up tests for long-term types.
Common questions
Is hepatitis contagious?
Viral hepatitis is contagious. It can spread before a person knows they are sick. Each type spreads in a different way.
Can you have hepatitis and not know it?
Yes, many people do not know they are infected. You can have hepatitis with no symptoms. You can still spread viral hepatitis.
Which types of hepatitis can a vaccine prevent?
Vaccines can prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
Can hepatitis be cured?
It depends on the type. Acute viral hepatitis often goes away on its own. Hepatitis C can be cured with pills. Medicines for chronic hepatitis B help only some people and are not a cure.
What is the difference between acute and chronic hepatitis?
Acute hepatitis is a short-term infection, and chronic hepatitis is a long-term infection. Some types cause only acute infections, and other types can cause both.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Hepatitis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Viral Hepatitis Basics
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Viral Hepatitis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
