Symptoms of Hepatitis A: Different Symptoms in Different Stages
Hepatitis A, commonly known as Hep A, is a liver inflammation caused by the Hepatitis A virus. The virus is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Patients usually experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, and liver and spleen enlargement. However, the symptoms can vary at different stages of the disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis A?
- Acute Jaundice Stage
After being infected with the virus, the incubation period is typically between 15 and 40 days. The disease onset is sudden, with patients often experiencing chills, fever, muscle aches, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and discomfort in the upper abdomen. There may be tenderness and pain upon pressure in the liver area. Fever usually subsides after about a week, but the urine darkens to a tea-like color, and the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow due to jaundice. Jaundice peaks within two weeks. During the recovery stage, jaundice fades, symptoms disappear, and liver function gradually returns to normal, which may take anywhere from two weeks to four months. - Acute Non-Jaundice Type
In this type, symptoms are milder and the course of the disease is shorter, making it easy to overlook. Patients may only experience reduced appetite, liver area pain, bloating, and fatigue. - Acute Cholestatic Hepatitis A
This type also begins suddenly, with few digestive symptoms. Patients exhibit dark yellow urine, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, gray or pale stools, and itchy skin. Blood tests often reveal elevated serum bilirubin, cholesterol, and liver enzymes. Jaundice in this case can persist for more than three weeks. - Severe Hepatitis A
Severe Hepatitis A develops rapidly, with a quick deepening of jaundice. Patients experience frequent nausea, vomiting, bloating, fatigue, and a clear tendency to bleed. Bleeding symptoms include bleeding from the nose, gums, and mouth. In some cases, patients may have blood in their stool, urine, or even vomit. Severe Hepatitis A can lead to serious complications such as brain swelling, hepatic encephalopathy (liver-related brain dysfunction), and hepatorenal syndrome. Without timely and effective treatment, the condition can be life-threatening.
Tips for Managing Hepatitis A
Acute Hepatitis A does not require specific treatments. Patients should focus on rest, a balanced diet, and adhering to their doctor’s advice for medication. During jaundice, it is important to stay in bed until the jaundice subsides. The diet should be light, low in fat, and rich in vitamins. During recovery, sufficient calories and protein intake are important. However, if severe hepatitis leads to hepatic encephalopathy, protein intake should be restricted to reduce ammonia production in the intestines, which can worsen brain dysfunction. Comprehensive treatment measures are needed for severe cases to halt liver cell damage, promote liver cell regeneration, and prevent complications.
Preventative measures such as maintaining good food and water hygiene, and avoiding raw or undercooked foods are also important in preventing Hepatitis A.
