Which organ do hepatitis B and C affect?

The liver processes nutrients, makes proteins involved in clotting, and helps remove waste from the blood. Inflammation from hepatitis can disturb these jobs. Some people have no noticeable symptoms, while others develop tiredness, nausea, discomfort under the ribs, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin and eyes. A symptom such as dark urine can have causes other than hepatitis, so it cannot identify the infection by itself.

Hepatitis B and C are different viruses. Either infection may be short-lived or persist, and persistent infection can gradually scar liver tissue. Testing is needed to tell whether infection is present and whether the liver is affected.

Arrange a medical assessment if you may have been exposed or have symptoms. A clinician may recommend blood tests, including a liver function test, alongside tests that look for hepatitis viruses. Avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes, needles, or anything that may carry blood. Do not donate blood until a clinician confirms it is appropriate, and ask about hepatitis B vaccination if you have not received it.

Seek urgent medical help for confusion, extreme sleepiness, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal swelling, or rapidly worsening yellow skin or eyes. Contact a clinician promptly for new dark urine, persistent fatigue, nausea, or pain beneath the right ribs, especially after a possible exposure.

Ask which hepatitis tests you need, whether your liver function has changed, how to protect household or sexual partners, and whether vaccination is suitable for you.