1. The Origins of Hepatitis A Symptoms
When a doctor attempts to identify hepatitis A symptoms, he may ask the patient about experiences over the course of the previous two to six weeks. The doctor asks this question because symptoms of hepatitis A typically appear within two to six weeks after initial exposure to the virus. Specifically, the doctor may ask if the patient had exposure to an infected person or if the patient recently traveled overseas, where exposure is more likely.
2. Physical Examination for Signs of Hepatitis A
During the physical examination, the doctor feels the liver by palpating the right side of the abdomen, just beneath the rib cage. While doing this, the doctor looks for signs of an enlarged liver. She'll also ask the patient if the area is tender. If the doctor suspects hepatitis A, she'll request blood samples to determine liver function and the presence of the antibody for hepatitis A. Hepatitis A antibody tests are also known as ELISA II and RIBA II. During the exam, the doctor looks for signs of rash or fever, which occasionally accompany hepatitis A.
3. When the Body Starts to Dry Out
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms of hepatitis A. If these symptoms persist, there is a loss of appetite and dehydration may result. A person who is dehydrated may lack energy and feel weak. Severe dehydration may also lead to confusion, irritability and an inability to focus on everyday tasks. In addition, dehydration occasionally results in headache, rapid heartbeat, and reduced urine flow.
4. Jaundice Leads to Yellow Skin
Sometimes hepatitis A causes extra bilirubin, a bile pigment, to accumulate in the blood. When this happens, the skin turns a yellowish color. In addition, the white part of the eyes, known as the sclerae, becomes yellow in color. Sometimes, patients with jaundice also notice that their urine turns a dark brown color, resembling cola or dark tea.
5. The Duration of Hepatitis A Symptoms
Hepatitis A is an acute condition, meaning that after running its course, symptoms disappear rather than persisting. Generally, hepatitis A symptoms last approximately eight weeks. Occasionally, symptoms persist for six to nine months. If this is the case, symptoms may lessen and then become worse again periodically. In extremely rare cases, liver failure may occur in very old and very young patients.
