Understanding Abdominal Pain & Hepatitis: Symptoms & Causes

Abdominal symptoms of hepatitis are usually described as pain in or around the liver. The pain indicates the liver is inflamed and is generally present during a flareup in someone with liver disease.

Significance

• It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a flareup associated with hepatitis or chronic liver disease to rule out other causes of abdominal pain.

Effects

• A hepatitis flareup and inflammation usually subsides in 6 months or less, although people suffering from hepatitis rarely experience pain from the liver. In many cases, abdominal pain can indicate other complications or conditions.

Types

• There are different types of hepatitis: hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Knowing which form of hepatitis you have been exposed to or have contracted will make a difference in determining the causes of abdominal symptoms, if any are associated with hepatitis.

Considerations

• Unlike hepatitis B, C and D, where abdominal pain or symptoms generally are not present, hepatitis A and E are acute forms of the virus and can be fatal. Abdominal pain is a symptom associated with these types. It is important to follow up with your health-care provider if you are experiencing fever, nausea and vomiting.

Prevention/Solution

• People infected with hepatitis A or E should refrain from cooking or sharing food with others. Eating utensils should be kept separate. Of the viral types, hepatitis B (which can lead to type D) and C, abstinence from sexual relations and alcohol consumption is recommended.