Hepatitis A – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Hepatitis A is a short-term disease caused by an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This type of hepatitis often spreads when people consume food or water contaminated by feces from a patient already infected with hepatitis A.

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver. While hepatitis is usually caused by a viral infection, the disease can also be caused by other factors. For example, autoimmune hepatitis occurs when the body produces antibodies against the liver tissue.

Known symptoms and risk factors of hepatitis A

Some individuals may experience side effects at least two to six weeks after being infected with HAV. Patients with hepatitis A often get better without treatment after a few weeks. However, other patients may experience side effects that can last for at least six months.

The side effects of hepatitis A often include:

• Dark yellow urine
• Fatigue/feeling tired
• Fever
• Gray- or clay-colored stools
• Jaundice/yellowish eyes and skin
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Pain in the abdomen
• Vomiting

Children younger than six years old don’t usually experience the symptoms of hepatitis A, but older children and adults may have several symptoms.

Risk factors for hepatitis A may include:

• Attending or working at a daycare center
• Exposure to food or waterborne outbreaks
• Having clotting-factor disorders
• Improper food handling
• International travel – This is the most commonly reported risk factor for HAV in the U.S. In fact, three out of 1,000 individuals staying in luxury hotels are infected with HAV every month.
• Intravenous drug use
• Living or working in a community residence
• Other drug use
• Sexual or household contact with an infected patient

Body systems harmed by hepatitis A

Patients often recover from hepatitis A without serious complications. However, in rare cases, hepatitis A can cause liver failure.

Liver failure caused by hepatitis A is more common in adults older than 50 and in individuals with another liver disease.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent hepatitis A

The following foods or nutrients can help prevent hepatitis A:

• Fenugreek seeds – Fenugreek seeds are full of antioxidants that can fight off hepatitis A.
• Fruits – Fruits have antioxidants and acidic substances that can help patients recover from hepatitis A. Fruits can also boost your immunity.
• Ginger – Ginger contains anti-viral properties that can protect your body from HAV.
• Green vegetables – Green vegetables can boost your metabolism.
• Honey and lemon drink – This drink has properties that can naturally cleanse your liver.

Treatments, management plans for hepatitis A

Most of the time, patients with hepatitis A don’t require treatment since it’s a short-term disease. If symptoms cause severe discomfort, an individual may require bed rest.

Patients experiencing diarrhea or vomiting can consult a health expert for the proper guidelines on hydration and nutrition.

Most patients with hepatitis A recover fully, and at least 85 percent of patients recover after three months. Other individuals recover completely after six months.

Where to learn more

• Hepatitis B Vaccine: Good for ‘Newborn’ Prostitutes and Drug Users, but Who Else?
• Hepatitis B Vaccines in Infants: Helpful or Harmful?
• Hepatitis C drug linked to ‘fatal skin reaction’
• The Hepatitis Epidemic and Natural Remedies That Can Help
• HHS releases new plan to prevent and treat viral hepatitis

Summary

Hepatitis A is a short-term disease caused by an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV).

The symptoms of hepatitis A include dark yellow urine, fatigue, fever, gray- or clay-colored stools, or jaundice.

Patients often recover from hepatitis A without serious complications. However, in rare cases, hepatitis A can cause liver failure.

Most of the time patients with hepatitis A don’t require treatment since it’s a short-term disease.

Sources include

Healthline.com

MedicalNewsToday.com

MorpehemeRemedies.com

NIDDK.NIH.gov