What phase of hepatitis is characterized by jaundice and fatigue?

The phase of hepatitis characterized by symptoms such as jaundice and fatigue is known as the icteric phase. During this stage, patients commonly experience a yellowing of the skin and eyes, which is the result of an accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream. This occurs due to liver inflammation and impaired bile flow, which are hallmarks of hepatitis.

Alongside jaundice, fatigue is another prominent symptom during the icteric phase, as the body struggles to manage the viral infection and repair liver damage. This combination of symptoms signifies that the disease process is actively affecting the liver's function.

In contrast, the prodromal phase occurs before jaundice develops, marked by nonspecific symptoms like malaise and fever, while the recovery phase follows jaundice and represents a period of recuperation with gradual improvement in symptoms. The asymptomatic phase, as the name suggests, may involve no noticeable symptoms at all. Understanding these phases helps clarify the progression of hepatitis and provide insight into its clinical presentation.