What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A, is basically an infectious liver infection that is caused due to the virus of hepatitis A. In addition to this, hepatitis virus is among several kinds of hepatitis viruses which cause great inflammation, as a result affects the ability of the liver to function.
One can develop hepatitis A through contaminated water or food or through a close contact by a person already infected. Furthermore, the mild cases requirement no treatment and individuals tend to completely recover with no liver damage permanently.
Interestingly, good hygiene practice such as washing hands more often can help you greatly by protecting from hepatitis A. Furthermore, effective vaccine options can also help people (those who are at a greater risk to develop) stay protected against hepatitis A.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?
The symptoms normally do not appear at an early stage of hepatitis A, and tend to appear after some weeks. The symptoms are:
- Vomiting and nausea.
- Fatigue.
- Low-grade fever.
- Muscle pain
- Abdominal discomfort or pain, particularly in the liver area (right side, under the lower ribs)
- Dark urine.
- Appetite loss.
- Yellowing of your eyes and skin (jaundice).
Symptoms generally last for 45-50 days, though can last over 6 months.
When is the high time to consult a doctor?
In case you notice any above mentioned signs, immediately consult your doctor. In case of being exposed to the disease, one can prevent the infection through the vaccination of hepatitis A or through the immunoglobulin therapy. (2 weeks within the exposure).
Hepatitis A vaccination must be received when:
- Person very close to you for example your wife, husband or your caregiver has been diagnosed with the disease.
- You had sexual intercourse with an individual diagnosed with the disease.
- Shared a needle with an individual diagnosed with the disease for injecting drugs.
What are the causes to develop hepatitis A?
The disease is cause due to hepatitis A virus. The virus is mostly spread when someone ingests little amounts of the infected fecal matter. This hepatitis A virus tends to infect your liver cells causing inflammation. Furthermore, inflammation can actually impair the functioning of your liver causing signs of hepatitis A.
The virus of hepatitis A can be easily transmitted through the following ways:
- An individual suffering from hepatitis A handles your food without washing her or his hands carefully after using the washroom.
- Sexual intercourse with the person who already has Hepatitis A.
- Drinking impure water.
- Close contact with an infected person.
- Eating the raw shellfish that belonged to polluted (sewage) water.
Discuss the complications:
Complications include:
- Continuing symptoms of the disease.
- Acute liver failure.
How is hepatitis A diagnosed?
Normally, your doctor will suggest you blood tests in order to notice the possibility of hepatitis A in the body after you detailed him or her regarding your observed symptoms.
How is Hepatitis A treated?
Interestingly, no particular treatment tends to exist for the disease. Gradually, the body clears the virus itself. Furthermore, in many cases, the liver completely heals in 1-2 months with no lifelong damage. Vaccination is recommended against hepatitis A for individuals above 1 who:
- Are males who intercourse with other males.
- Are noninjecting and injecting drug users.
- Have blood clotting issues.
- Have liver disease (chronic).
By : Natural Health News
