What is a common symptom of viral hepatitis?

Jaundice, characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes, is a hallmark symptom of viral hepatitis. This occurs due to the liver's impaired ability to process bilirubin, a pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. In viral hepatitis, the liver becomes inflamed and may not function properly, leading to an accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream, hence the yellow discoloration.

While fever, nausea, and diarrhea can also occur in viral hepatitis, they are not as definitive as jaundice. Fever may indicate an inflammatory response or infection but isn't unique to hepatitis. Nausea is a common symptom of many illnesses and can result from a variety of causes unrelated to liver disease. Diarrhea may also occur, but it is more typically associated with gastrointestinal infections rather than liver conditions like hepatitis. Jaundice stands out as a specific and visible indicator of liver dysfunction linked to viral hepatitis.