Jaundice Hepatitis: Is It Hepatitis A Or B?

Jaundice hepatitis can occur in both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B infections, as it is a clinical classification within viral hepatitis. Whether caused by the Hepatitis A virus or the Hepatitis B virus, patients may develop either jaundice hepatitis or non-jaundice hepatitis. Therefore, the presence of jaundice alone cannot determine whether the infection is due to Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B.

In the clinical classification of viral hepatitis, there are distinctions such as acute hepatitis and chronic hepatitis. Acute hepatitis is further divided into acute jaundice viral hepatitis and acute non-jaundice viral hepatitis. Hepatitis A typically manifests as acute viral hepatitis, which can present as either acute jaundice hepatitis or acute non-jaundice hepatitis. In contrast, Hepatitis B not only includes the acute form but also has a chronic clinical type.

Patients with chronic Hepatitis B may also develop symptoms such as skin and scleral jaundice, which are characteristic of jaundice hepatitis. These symptoms may also include loss of appetite, reduced food intake, abdominal bloating, and fatigue. Liver function tests often show elevated transaminase levels, along with increased bilirubin. When bilirubin levels exceed twice the normal value, visible yellowing of the skin and sclera occurs, and patients may pass urine that resembles tea in color.

Therefore, jaundice hepatitis can occur in both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B infections, appearing in the acute phase of both types and, in the case of Hepatitis B, even in the chronic phase. Understanding the broader clinical context and performing specific blood tests are essential to distinguish between Hepatitis A and B.