Sometimes the swelling doesn t go down for a day or two if people are concerned, they should call us so we can take a look and make certain it s a normal reaction to the piercing. Understanding Hepatitis Hepatitis is generally defined as an inflammation of the liver. Here s a look at the different types of hepaptitis that can be caused by tongue piercing. It is now known that hepatitis B can also be transmitted via needle sticks, body piercing and tattooing using un sterilized instruments, the dialysis process, sexual and even less intimate close contact, and childbirth. Symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, light stools.
Diagnosis is by blood test.
HCV causes most transfusion-associated hepatitis, and the damage it does to the liver can lead to cirrhosis and cancer. Transmission of the virus by sexual contact is rare. At least half of HCV patients develop chronic hepatitis C infection. Diagnosis is by blood test. Treatment is via anti-viral drugs.