The symptoms of hepatitis A usually appear about 4 weeks after infection by the virus that causes the disease and in some cases may not even appear, since the disease may not present any health problem.
If you think you may have this problem select what you are feeling, to evaluate the symptoms and to know what your risk of actually being with hepatitis:
- 1. Pain in the upper right region of the belly Yes No
- 2. Yellowing of eyes or skin
- 3. Yellowish, grayish or whitish faeces Yes No
- 4. Dark urine Yes No
- 5. Constant low fever Yes No
- 6. Joint pain Yes No
- 7. Loss of appetite Yes No
- 8. Frequent dizziness or lightheadedness Yes No
- 9. Easy tiredness and no apparent reason Yes No
- 10. Swollen belly Yes No
In addition, hepatitis A can also cause flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, cough, headache and feeling sick, but unlike the flu, these symptoms can last for up to several weeks.
Normally, any of these symptoms disappear within 6 months, but during this time it is also possible that the disease manifests itself in cycles, that is, that it appears for a few weeks and disappear again, until it heals completely.
Since the symptoms of the various types of hepatitis are very similar, it is important to consult a hepatologist to take the necessary tests and confirm that it is a type A hepatitis, initiating the most appropriate treatment.
Here's how to feed yourself to cure hepatitis faster:
When it can be serious
In most people this type of hepatitis does not cause serious liver damage, disappearing after a few months. However, in rare cases, lesions in the liver may continue to increase until organ failure occurs, resulting in signs such as:
- Sudden and intense vomiting;
- Ease to develop bruising or bleeding;
- Increased irritability;
- Problems of memory and concentration;
- Dizziness or confusion
When any of these symptoms appear, it is advisable to go to the hospital immediately to assess liver function and start treatment, which is usually done with changes in lifestyle, such as reduced salt and protein in the diet, for example.
Learn more about how liver failure is treated.
When to go to the doctor
It is advised to go to the doctor whenever hepatitis A virus is suspected, especially if symptoms arise because the doctor may prescribe some medicines, such as antihistamines and analgesics, which help relieve the symptoms until they disappear completely.
In addition, as the transmission of the disease is easy, the doctor may also recommend that people next to take the vaccine against hepatitis A, so try to decrease the chances of infection.
How to get Hepatitis A
Transmission of hepatitis A can easily occur through ingestion of the virus, so close contact with infected persons should be avoided and it is recommended:
- Wash hands with soap and water regularly, especially before eating or after going to the bathroom;
- Avoid sharing thimbles or toothbrushes with other people;
- Avoid intimate contact without using a condom;
Because of the ease of transmitting the disease, infected people should avoid close contact with others until 1 week after the onset of symptoms.
