What are the symptoms of hepatitis D?
Dec 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
In general, hepatitis D, a liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus, often coexists with hepatitis B infection. Its main symptoms include fatigue, poor appetite, jaundice, dull pain in the liver area, nausea and vomiting, and darkened urine. Hepatitis D frequently occurs as a simultaneous or superimposed infection with hepatitis B, and its symptoms are easily masked by those of hepatitis B. Individuals with a history of hepatitis B should undergo regular check-ups and take appropriate measures to protect their liver.
Generally, hepatitis D is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus and often occurs as a co-infection with hepatitis B. Common symptoms include fatigue and poor appetite, jaundice, dull pain in the liver area, nausea and vomiting, and darkened urine. The details are as follows:
1. Fatigue and poor appetite: After liver function is impaired, metabolic capacity declines. Patients often feel generalized weakness, which worsens after physical activity. They also experience reduced appetite, particularly aversion to greasy foods. Decreased food intake may lead to mild weight loss.
2. Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and sclera (whites of the eyes) is one of the common signs of hepatitis D. The severity of jaundice correlates with the degree of liver damage. Some patients may also experience skin itching, which can become more pronounced at night and interfere with sleep quality.
3. Dull pain in the liver area: A persistent dull or distending pain in the right upper abdomen (liver region) is typical. The pain is usually mild and described as aching. It may worsen after exertion or consuming fatty foods and may slightly improve with rest. The location of the pain is generally fixed.
4. Nausea and vomiting: Impaired bile secretion due to liver dysfunction leads to digestive disturbances. Patients frequently experience nausea, which may progress to vomiting after eating. Vomitus typically consists of stomach contents. Some patients may also have other gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea.
5. Darkened urine: Abnormal liver function disrupts bilirubin metabolism, leading to elevated blood bilirubin levels. Increased bilirubin excretion through urine causes the urine to appear dark yellow or tea-colored. Changes in urine color often occur before the onset of visible skin or scleral jaundice.
Hepatitis D commonly occurs simultaneously with or superimposed on hepatitis B infection, and its symptoms may be masked by those of hepatitis B. Individuals with a history of hepatitis B should undergo regular check-ups and take appropriate measures to protect liver health. Once diagnosed, patients should follow medical advice for standardized treatment, avoid alcohol and staying up late, and maintain a light yet nutritious diet.
