Hepatitis A
Symptoms of hepatitis A
The HEP may not develop symptoms in some people. It is worth mentioning that the onset of the disease in adults is more pronounced; in most cases, children who are younger than six years of age do not appear to have noticeable symptoms. In cases where the symptoms of the disease appear, the period it takes to appear is two to six weeks from the time of infection with the virus, and symptoms develop over several days, usually symptoms continue for nearly two months, and symptoms can continue for six months in some cases. It should be noted that the patient may spread the disease and cause the infection of others before the onset of symptoms by nearly two weeks, as well as the patient is able to spread the infection, even if no symptoms at all. Symptoms range from mild to severe symptoms. Symptoms of hepatitis A include:
- Fever.
- Feeling tired and tired (Fatigue).
- Loss of Appetite.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Abdominal pain.
- Dark Urine.
- Color-Colored Bowel Movements
- Joint pain.
- Jaundice, a yellowish skin and eye color, occurs 10% in children with hepatitis A under 6 years of age, and 70% in adults and children over the age of six years.
- Diarrhea (Diarrhea).
Although hepatitis A does not usually cause serious damage, it can sometimes cause Liver Failure and symptoms that may indicate liver failure, which should be reviewed by the doctor as soon as they occur:
- Sudden vomiting and severe.
- • Rapid bleeding and bruising, such as nasal haemorrhage, or recurrent bleeding in the gums.
- Feeling irritated.
- Problems with concentration and memory.
- Feeling drowsy and confused.
It is also important to take certain measures to prevent the spread of the disease by the infected person such as; not to go to work or school for at least a week of symptoms, wash your hands with soap and water frequently, do not share towels with others, wash toilet and tap water after use, .
Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of hepatitis A
Hepatitis A infection is detected by a blood test that detects the presence of antibodies made by the body to resist the virus. These antibodies are present in the blood in the current infection with hepatitis A virus, as well as in the case of previous infections of the virus. There are two types of tests, as follows:
- IgM antibody examination of hepatitis A: These antibodies appear two weeks after the first injury, and fade after three months to twelve months after infection.
- Examination of IgG antibodies to hepatitis A: These antibodies appear eight to twelve weeks after the first injury, and remain in the blood permanently to protect the person from hepatitis A.
It is worth mentioning that the liver test is carried out for the following purposes:
- To determine the type of hepatitis virus that has been infected.
- To examine the most vulnerable people such as doctors, dentists, and nurses.
- In order to prevent the spread of hepatitis A virus.
- To ensure the presence of antibodies to the virus after taking the vaccine (in English: Vaccine), since the presence of antibodies means the full efficacy of the scorpion.
- To see if hepatitis A is the cause of liver function tests (liver function tests).
Hepatitis C Treatment
In fact, there is no cure for hepatitis A, and often the patient is recovering alone in a few months, but there are some tips to be followed, including:
- Adequate rest, especially in the early stages of the disease because of the feeling of the person very tired.
- Take painkillers such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen when you feel pain, but you should consult your doctor to determine the dose and quantity that can be taken, depending on the liver’s ability and effectiveness in the affected person.
- Maintain ventilation and cooling of the surrounding environment, wear extensive clothing, avoid hot tubs to reduce itching, and antihistamine drugs can be prescribed in severe cases.
- Eat small, light meals to reduce nausea and vomiting. Anti-emetic drugs can also be used if the problem persists after consulting a doctor.