Is hepatitis curable?

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It may be caused by a virus, alcohol, medicines, or another health problem. Hepatitis A often settles as the body recovers, whereas hepatitis B may become long-lasting and need monitoring or treatment. Hepatitis C is now commonly curable with prescribed antiviral medicine. Symptoms can be mild or absent, so feeling well does not show whether liver inflammation has ended. Fatigue may occur, but it is not specific to hepatitis.

Arrange a GP Consultation if hepatitis is suspected, a blood test has raised concern, or you have risk factors such as contact with infected blood. Your clinician may check liver enzymes, look for viral markers, and assess whether inflammation is active. A Liver Function Test can show how the liver is responding, but it does not by itself identify every cause. Do not stop prescribed medicine or begin supplements without advice, because some products can strain the liver. Avoid sharing razors or toothbrushes and ask how to reduce transmission risk while results are being clarified.

Seek urgent medical help for yellowing of the skin or eyes with confusion, severe drowsiness, repeated vomiting, marked abdominal swelling, or bleeding. Contact a clinician promptly if dark urine, pale stools, persistent nausea, or worsening fatigue develops. These signs do not prove hepatitis, but they warrant assessment because liver problems can progress without dramatic pain.

Ask which type of hepatitis is being considered, what tests will confirm it, whether treatment is needed now, how alcohol and medicines may affect your liver, and whether household or sexual contacts need advice or vaccination.