Hepatitis A

Overview

Hepatitis A is the infection leading to liver inflammation caused by the hepatitis-A virus or HAV. It is an acute liver infection most commonly transmitted by the contaminated food or drinking water. Although it does not cause chronic problems, the liver may develop inflammation and swelling because of an hepatitis A infection, which can be completely cured in most of the patients without causing any long term damage. The disease can be prevented by vaccination available throughout the world and it is quite effective in controlling its occurrence.

Types

There are no such types for hepatitis A, but it is one of the types of hepatitis. The different types of hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, categorized depending on the type of virus that has infected the body. Hepatitis B and C are chronic forms of infection whereas hepatitis A can be treated completely. Hepatitis Band C can cause severe liver damage due to long-term infection, but there is no such damage in hepatitis A if properly treated on time.

Symptoms

Most of the people with a hepatitis A infection have no symptoms or have unnoticeable symptoms. Symptoms are more pronounced in older individuals than in young ones, but the disease is contagious in both the cases. Some of the symptoms that are associated with hepatitis A include nausea, vomiting, low-grade fever, diarrhea, loss of appetite, jaundice, rash, fatigue, pain in the liver area and dark brown urine.

Causes/Risk Factors

The hepatitis A virus is found in the feces of people who are already suffering from the disease. In case there is contamination with the feces of someone infected with hepatitis A, the virus can be transmitted through this fecal-oral transmission. Poor sanitary conditions and inadequate hand washing are often responsible for hepatitis A. The virus can also spread through the consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish, which is contaminated by sewage or toxins containing water. Although it is extremely rare, the hepatitis A virus can also be transmitted by blood transfusions.

Tests/Diagnosis

In case of a suspect of exposure to the hepatitis virus responsible for hepatitis A, the immediate requirement is to get your blood tested for a liver function test to see how your liver is functioning. The best way is to check the amounts of bilirubin and enzyme tests. You should also be tested for the hepatitis A antibody, which would indicate the exposure to the virus. The physicians usually prescribe a test for hepatitis B and C too, just to be on the safer side.

Treatment

There is no specific medication available to cure the infection caused by hepatitis A. Clean dietary habits and eating conditions can help improve conditions. A patient simply has to wait for the symptoms to subside. A patient should avoid oily & spicy foods, alcohol, follow a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids. Preventing the disease is the most important and vaccines are available throughout the world.