Hepatitis A

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Pathologic jaundice or Hepatitis especially in adults and older children is much more complicated than before. It is caused by different families of viruses. Today six forms of Hepatitis are known:

• Hepatitis A: It is transmitted by oral route due to consumption of infected food and water. Read below.
• Hepatitis B: It is a sexually transmitted disease. Read more>>
• Hepatitis C: Transmitted by blood transfusion and infected needle. Read more>>
• Hepatitis D: Infection acquired in people already infected with Hepatitis B. Read more>>
• Hepatitis E: Water borne. Read more>>
• Chemical Hepatitis: Caused by alcohol, some anesthetics, many drugs.

There are mainly two types of viral hepatitis. One is food-borne and the other blood-borne. The former does not cause chronic liver disease, but the latter, may cause long term chronic liver disease that has lethal consequences later in life.

HepA is caused by the hepatitis virus A (HAV). It is a very different illness to hepatitis B or C. It is not transmitted by blood and does not cause any chronic liver damage or chronic disease.

Symptoms:
Symptoms vary according to severity and age of the infected person.

6 years and younger: Most of the time the disease is silent. However, some of the following symptoms may be seen.

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting and or diarrhea
• About 5% of cases have jaundice

6 to 12 years:

• All the above symptoms are seen.
• In 50% of the cases jaundice is seen.

Teenagers and adults:

• Situation is more severe and complex.
• All the above symptoms are generally seen and is more pronounced and last longer.
• Sometimes, the disease can come and go for longer.
• Severe liver damage can occur.

Diagnosis:

It is diagnose by blood test. The blood test can show whether the person has been infected in the past or is infected at present.

Transmission of HepA:

HepA is transmitted from contaminated foods. The person infected can transmits the virus though stool. It often spreads in childcare centers during changing of diapers or in schools. The disease can pass through families easily.

Treatment:

There is no as such treatment against HepA. The treatment is symptomatic. The main objective during HepA infections is to prevent further spread of the disease by identifying the source and the infected people.

Prevention:

• It can be prevented by immunization. Vaccine for HepA is available. This vaccine is not yet a routine vaccine and is only given if you or your child is at great risk. It can be obtained from hospitals.
• Always be alert if there is any reported case of HepA. Find out all the details of exposure if there is a possibility of exposure and when. Your doctor can evaluate the risk of getting HepA.

Compiled by: Indrajit Sinha, Last updated: 02.12.07 © Medhospital Foundation

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