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Symptoms and Diagnosis

From , former About.com Guide

Doctors use several methods to help diagnose hepatitis which include procedures as simple as a blood test but as complex as using sophisticated technology like magnetic resonance imaging. However, a diagnosis sometimes starts with recognizing a sign or symptom indicating hepatitis.
  1. The Basics of Hepatitis Symptoms
  2. Diagnosis Basics
  3. Complications
  4. Hepatitis Types

The Basics of Hepatitis Symptoms

Wondering if that ache or pain could mean hepatitis? Symptoms vary depending on the type of hepatitis, so it's hard to know without the help of a doctor. Most people don't realize they have hepatitis until they see jaundice, a symptom that makes the skin appear yellowish.

Diagnosis Basics

Doctors use several different tests to diagnose hepatitis.

Complications

Treating hepatitis can be complicated by other conditions and diseases. Also, since the liver performs essential functions for the entire body, when it becomes damaged it can affect many areas and cause other diseases such as cirrhosis and cancer.

Hepatitis Types

Though there are other causes, many types of hepatitis are caused by viruses. These viruses are named after the first five letters of the alphabet, A, B, C, D and E.

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