Hepatitis A - Causes , Symptoms , Diagnosis , Treatment

What is hepatitis A ?

The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is what causes the vaccine-preventable liver disease known as hepatitis A. It can be discovered in an infected person's blood and stool. Hepatitis A spreads quickly. When a person comes into close touch with an infected individual or consumes contaminated food or drink, they may unwittingly consume the virus, even in minute quantities.

Hepatitis A symptoms, which include exhaustion, nausea, stomach discomfort, and jaundice, can last up to 2 months. Majority of hepatitis A patients do not have chronic sickness. Getting vaccinated is the most effective strategy to ward off hepatitis A.

What causes hepatitis A ?

The virus most frequently spreads when you consume food or liquids that have even minute amounts of contamination in them. It cannot be spread by coughing or sneezing.

Hepatitis A causes are:

• Consuming food that had come in contact with an infected person who hadn’t properly washed their hands after using the restroom
• Consuming contaminated water
• Consuming raw shellfish from sewage-contaminated water
• Being in close proximity to an infected individual, even if they show no symptoms or signs of the infection
• Having sexual relations with an infected person
  
  

What are the symptoms of hepatitis A ?

Hepatitis A symptoms and signs often don't develop until a few weeks after contracting the infection. However, not everyone who has hepatitis A experiences them. If you do, some possible hepatitis symptoms and indicators include:

• Fatigue
• Suddenly feeling sick and vomiting
• Reduced appetite
• Abdominal soreness or agony
• Diarrhea
• Minor fever
• Bowel motions that have clay colour
• Dark urine
• Aching joints
• Jaundice
• Itching
  
  

How is hepatitis A diagnosed ?

A doctor can determine if you have hepatitis A by asking you about your symptoms and performing a blood test to see if you've recently been exposed to the hepatitis A virus.

Hepatitis A cases cannot be distinguished from other acute viral hepatitis cases clinically. The identification of HAV-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in the blood allows for a precise diagnosis. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assayis another sensitive diagnostic method to identify the hepatitis A virus RNA.

What are the treatments for hepatitis A ?

Hepatitis A treatment is not specific. The patient recovers on their own in a month or two. Prescriptions that are not necessary should be avoided. Avoid using acetaminophen, paracetamol, and anti-vomiting medications. Avoiding dehydration and taking adequate rest is usually enough for recovery.

A few do’s and don’ts can help one recover faster from the infection.

Take adequate nutrition and stay hydrated- It may be difficult to eat due to occasional nausea associated with hepatitis A. Snacking throughout the day could be more convenient than eating three meals. Increase your intake of high-calorie foods and switch from water to milk or fruit juice to ensure you're getting enough nutrients. Fluids will also help keep you hydrated, if you have been vomiting.

Skip alcohol- When you have the virus, your liver has a tough time processing alcohol and prescription drugs. Additionally, drinking might worsen liver disease. Any medications you take, including over-the-counter medicines, should be disclosed to your doctor as they may also harm your liver.

Maintain proper hygiene- Wash your hands thoroughly frequently, particularly after using the restroom or changing a diaper and before preparing or eating food to avoid the spread of the infection.