What is Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver by the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A is the mildest of the three most common hepatitis viruses. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, pale stools, liver pain, nausea, and vomiting. Many people have no symptoms. The virus is found in the stool of an infected person. It spreads through eating or drinking contaminated water or food, having close contact with someone infected with the disease, and oral-anal sex. The illness goes away on its own in about three months with rest, and nearly everyone recovers completely. Once a person recovers from hepatitis A, they can't get it again.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A are-

Fever,Fatigue,Yellow skin,Dark colored (brown) urine,Pain or discomfort,Nausea or vomiting,Tenderness to touch,Yellow eyes

Treatment

There is no specific medical treatment for hepatitis A. It usually gets better on its own. Your doctor may recommend: 

1.Anti-nausea medications and other treatments to help relieve symptoms. 

2.Avoiding certain medications, including over-the-counter drugs, that are processed by the liver.

3.Not drinking alcohol. 

4.Getting vaccinated or treated with immune globulin if you have been exposed within the past 2 weeks.

Self Care

Self-care for hepatitis A includes: 

1.Getting plenty of rest 

2.Not smoking or drinking alcohol 

3.Avoiding fatty foods 

4.Avoiding acetaminophen (Tylenol) and other medications that can harm the liver

When to See Your Doctor

Call your doctor right away if you think you have been exposed to hepatitis A, if you have symptoms of the disease, or if you have been diagnosed with hepatitis A and your symptoms are getting worse. If you have severe fever or pain, can't keep down fluids, or feel confused or delirious get immediate medical help.

Diagnosed By

Your doctor can diagnose hepatitis A by taking your medical history, doing a physical exam, and doing blood tests.