Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A: Botkin's disease

Hepatitis A, also known as Botkin's disease, is a form of hepatitis that affects the liver. Unlike other forms of hepatitis, hepatitis A has the most favorable prognosis, as it does not lead to serious consequences.

Hepatitis A is prevalent mainly in underdeveloped countries with poor hygiene, where cluster epidemics occur due to improper food handling. However, hepatitis A can also occur in any country, including Russia.

How does infection occur?

Hepatitis A is spread through food and water contaminated with intestinal waste from an infected person. This mechanism of infection is called fecal-oral transmission and is the most common route of transmission of hepatitis A.

Once infected, the hepatitis A virus multiplies in the liver and causes inflammation. The incubation period during which the virus multiplies and adapts in the body lasts from 7 to 50 days.

How does the disease manifest itself?

Symptoms of hepatitis A can vary and include fever, headache, general malaise, body aches, pain in the right upper quadrant, nausea, vomiting, dark urine and discolored stool. The liver and, less commonly, the spleen enlarge. A general blood test reveals changes characteristic of hepatitis A: an increase in bilirubin and liver tests.

How is diagnosis carried out?

The diagnosis of hepatitis A is made on the basis of laboratory parameters, such as hepatitis virus markers and specific changes in blood biochemical parameters. In addition, the diagnosis is made based on symptoms and history, which includes the onset of the disease after exposure to someone with hepatitis A.

How to treat hepatitis A?

Most cases of hepatitis A resolve spontaneously and do not require active treatment. In severe cases, hospitalization and IV drips may be required to eliminate the toxic effect of the virus on the liver. It is recommended to remain in bed during the height of the disease, follow a special diet and take medications that protect the liver (hepatoprotectors). It is also recommended to avoid drinking alcohol, which can damage an already damaged liver.

In conclusion, hepatitis A is the most benign form of hepatitis, but can still cause unpleasant symptoms and temporarily impair liver function. To prevent hepatitis A infection, it is recommended to practice good hygiene, especially before eating and after using the toilet, and to only drink food and water that has been reliably purified. If you suspect you have symptoms of hepatitis A, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Hepatitis A article:

Hepatitis A is an infectious liver disease that causes inflammation and damage to liver tissue. Hepatitis A is an acute viral hepatitis, that is, it occurs as a result of infection with the hepatitis A virus. It is one of the most common liver infections in children and adults. This disease is also known as Botkin's disease.

Ways of transmission of hepatitis A infection are through contact with blood, as well as through unwashed hands and unboiled water. You can become infected in these ways from a carrier of viruses, from food, or by swimming in contaminated water. Often with hepatitis A, children are carriers of the infection and become sources of infection for loved ones. The source of the virus may not even know that he has the disease. The disease most often affects people under 40 years of age inclusive.

Symptoms of hepatitis A appear one to four weeks after infection. First comes the acute initial period. At this moment, the patient experiences weakness, increased fatigue, bloating, lack of appetite, moderate fever, muscle and joint pain. Next comes the peak period, which lasts about two to three weeks. In moderate to severe cases, the disease can lead to the development of encephalopathy. The patient may experience signs of an inflammatory process in the intestines, jaundice and the appearance of blood in the stool or urine. During periods of exacerbation of the disease, the pressure decreases and pain occurs in the right hypochondrium. Severe cases are characterized by arrhythmia and collapse. Heart failure and hepatic encephalopathy for hepatitis A are sometimes fatal.