Hepatitis vs. Jaundice: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 6, 2024
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, often due to infection; Jaundice is a symptom, marked by yellowing of skin and eyes, often caused by liver issues.
Key Differences
Hepatitis refers to liver inflammation, often caused by viral infections, alcohol abuse, or other health conditions. Jaundice, on the other hand, is a symptom, not a disease, characterized by a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes, which occurs when bilirubin builds up in the body.
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Feb 06, 2024
Hepatitis can lead to serious health complications, including liver damage, and is primarily concerned with the liver's function and health. Conversely, Jaundice can be a symptom of many conditions, including hepatitis, but also extends to other diseases affecting bilirubin metabolism or the biliary system.
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Feb 06, 2024
Treatment for Hepatitis varies based on its cause, with antivirals for viral hepatitis or lifestyle changes for alcohol-induced hepatitis. Treatment for Jaundice, however, focuses on resolving the underlying cause, be it liver dysfunction, bile duct blockage, or hemolysis.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Hepatitis can be asymptomatic, especially in its early stages, or present symptoms like fatigue, abdominal pain, and fever. Jaundice is more visually identifiable due to the yellowing of skin and eyes, and it might co-occur with Hepatitis or other liver diseases.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Preventative measures for Hepatitis include vaccinations, safe food practices, and avoiding alcohol abuse. In contrast, preventing Jaundice involves addressing the underlying causes, such as managing liver health and ensuring proper treatment of liver-related diseases.
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Feb 06, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Inflammation of the liver.
Yellowing of skin and eyes due to bilirubin accumulation.
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Causes
Viral infections, alcohol abuse, toxins.
Liver disease, bile duct blockage, hemolysis.
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Symptoms
Fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice.
Yellow skin/eyes, dark urine, pale stools.
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Feb 06, 2024
Treatment Focus
Treating the liver condition or infection.
Addressing the underlying cause.
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Feb 06, 2024
Preventative Measures
Vaccinations, avoiding alcohol, safe food practices.
Managing liver health, treating liver diseases.
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Feb 06, 2024
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Hepatitis and Jaundice Definitions
Hepatitis
Hepatitis may be chronic or acute.
Chronic hepatitis C requires long-term treatment.
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Jaundice
Jaundice is the yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes.
The newborn exhibited jaundice a few days after birth.
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Jan 11, 2024
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver.
Acute hepatitis can cause severe liver damage if not treated promptly.
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Jan 11, 2024
Jaundice
Jaundice is caused by high levels of bilirubin.
Elevated bilirubin levels in his blood led to jaundice.
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Jan 11, 2024
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is often caused by viral infections.
Hepatitis B is a highly contagious liver infection.
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Jan 11, 2024
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Jaundice
Jaundice is common in newborns but can occur at any age.
Neonatal jaundice often resolves without treatment.
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Hepatitis
Hepatitis can be a result of toxic substances, like alcohol.
Chronic alcohol abuse led to his development of alcoholic hepatitis.
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Jaundice
Jaundice may accompany diseases like hepatitis.
His hepatitis was accompanied by severe jaundice.
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Jan 11, 2024
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver, caused by infectious or toxic agents and characterized by jaundice, fever, liver enlargement, and abdominal pain.
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Jan 11, 2024
Jaundice
Yellowish discoloration of the whites of the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes caused by deposition of bile salts in these tissues. It occurs as a symptom of various diseases, such as hepatitis, that affect the processing of bile. Also called icterus.
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Hepatitis
Any of various types of such inflammation, especially viral hepatitis.
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Jaundice
A state or feeling of negativity or bitterness arising especially from envy or world-weariness.
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Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver, sometimes caused by a viral infection.
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Jaundice
(pathology) A morbid condition, characterized by yellowness of the eyes, skin, and urine.
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Hepatitis
Hepatitis symptoms include jaundice, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
She was diagnosed with hepatitis after exhibiting jaundice and fatigue.
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Jaundice
(transitive) To affect with jaundice; to color by prejudice or envy; to prejudice.
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Jaundice
A morbid condition, characterized by yellowness of the eyes, skin, and urine, whiteness of the fæces, constipation, uneasiness in the region of the stomach, loss of appetite, and general languor and lassitude. It is caused usually by obstruction of the biliary passages and consequent damming up, in the liver, of the bile, which is then absorbed into the blood.
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Jaundice
To affect with jaundice; to color by prejudice or envy; to prejudice.
The envy of wealth jaundiced his soul.
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Jaundice
Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by an accumulation of bile pigment (bilirubin) in the blood; can be a symptom of gallstones or liver infection or anemia
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Jaundice
Jaundice can indicate liver or bile duct problems.
Her jaundice was a sign of a blocked bile duct.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, often due to viral infections or toxins.
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Feb 06, 2024
Is jaundice always serious?
Jaundice can range from benign, especially in newborns, to serious, indicating underlying health issues.
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How is jaundice related to hepatitis?
Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, can be a symptom of hepatitis.
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Can hepatitis be cured?
Some forms of hepatitis, like hepatitis C, can be cured, while others are managed chronically.
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Are there vaccines for hepatitis?
Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B.
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What are the symptoms of hepatitis?
Symptoms include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, and dark urine.
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Is alcoholic hepatitis different from viral hepatitis?
Yes, alcoholic hepatitis is caused by excessive alcohol consumption, not by a virus.
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What causes jaundice?
Causes include liver disease, bile duct blockage, and excessive breakdown of red blood cells.
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Can hepatitis be transmitted?
Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through blood and bodily fluids.
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Does jaundice affect eye color?
Jaundice can make the whites of the eyes appear yellow.
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Can jaundice lead to liver damage?
Jaundice itself doesn't cause liver damage but can signal liver problems needing attention.
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How long does hepatitis last?
Acute hepatitis can last weeks to months; chronic hepatitis can last a lifetime.
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Can jaundice cause itching?
Yes, high bilirubin levels can lead to itching.
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Are children at risk of hepatitis?
Yes, children can contract hepatitis, but vaccinations can prevent some types.
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Can drugs cause hepatitis?
Certain medications and illicit drugs can cause drug-induced hepatitis.
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What dietary changes help with jaundice?
A balanced diet, low in fat and rich in fruits and vegetables, can support liver health.
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Is hepatitis more common in certain regions?
Yes, hepatitis prevalence varies globally, with higher rates in certain parts of Africa and Asia.
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How is jaundice treated?
Treatment focuses on the underlying cause, like liver disease or infection.
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Feb 06, 2024
Does sunlight help newborn jaundice?
Sunlight can help break down bilirubin, but controlled phototherapy is often preferred for safety.
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Feb 06, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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