Does hepatitis B cause jaundice?

Hepatitis B can inflame the liver and interfere with its handling of bilirubin, a yellow substance produced when old red blood cells are broken down. Bilirubin may then build up in the blood. Urine can become darker, stools may look paler, and itching or nausea may occur alongside yellowing. Some people have few symptoms, so the absence of jaundice does not exclude hepatitis B.

Arrange medical assessment if jaundice is new or you think you may have been exposed to hepatitis B. A clinician may ask about symptoms, medicines, alcohol, travel, and possible blood or sexual exposure, then use blood tests to assess liver inflammation and hepatitis B markers. Avoid alcohol and do not start herbal products or non-prescription medicines without checking first. Do not share razors or toothbrushes, and use protection during sex until a clinician explains your status.

Seek urgent medical help for jaundice with confusion, extreme sleepiness, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding, or inability to keep fluids down. Prompt assessment is also needed if the yellowing is rapidly worsening, or if you have very dark urine and feel acutely unwell. These features need examination because liver inflammation can have causes and consequences that require timely treatment.

Ask whether hepatitis B testing and liver blood tests are needed, whether anyone in your household or sexual relationships needs testing or vaccination, and which medicines or supplements you should avoid while your liver is being assessed.