How common is jaundice in hepatitis B?

When Hepatitis B inflames liver cells, bilirubin may accumulate and cause yellow eyes or skin. Dark urine, pale stools, nausea, low appetite, tiredness, fever, joint aches, or discomfort in the upper abdomen can occur with the same illness. Hepatitis B can also be present without noticeable symptoms, and jaundice can arise from other liver or bile-flow problems. Testing is needed to separate these possibilities.

Contact a clinician promptly if you notice jaundice or think you may have had exposure to Hepatitis B. Assessment can include liver-function blood tests and tests that identify the virus and its activity. Avoid alcohol and do not start supplements or non-prescription medicines without checking first. Do not share razors or toothbrushes, and ask about testing or vaccination for household or sexual contacts.

Seek urgent care for jaundice with confusion, extreme sleepiness, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, unusual bleeding, fainting, or inability to drink. These signs may indicate serious liver dysfunction or dehydration. Prompt assessment is also appropriate if yellowing is rapidly worsening or if you have known liver disease.

Ask whether the infection appears recent or longstanding, which blood tests are planned, whether treatment or monitoring is needed, and how to protect close contacts. Ask which medicines are safe and what symptoms should lead directly to emergency care.