Complications of hepatitis A

Hepatitis A inflames the liver. Nausea, poor appetite, dark urine and feeling generally unwell can make it difficult to drink and eat, so dehydration is a practical concern. Symptoms may continue for weeks and can fluctuate as the liver recovers. In uncommon cases, inflammation becomes severe and the liver cannot perform its usual work properly. This may cause increasing yellowing of the skin or eyes, confusion, unusual sleepiness or easy bleeding. Hepatitis A does not usually become a long-term infection, but recovery can take time.

Rest, take frequent fluids and choose small meals if your appetite is reduced. Avoid alcohol and check every medicine, supplement or herbal product with a clinician because the recovering liver may handle substances differently. A clinician may arrange a liver function test and review your symptoms, hydration and urine output. Use the condition guide for practical background on hepatitis A, and ask about vaccination for household or other close contacts when appropriate.

Seek urgent medical help if you cannot keep fluids down, pass very little urine, become confused or unusually drowsy, develop severe abdominal pain, or notice rapidly worsening yellow skin or eyes. Contact a clinician promptly if vomiting persists, dark urine becomes more pronounced, or you are becoming weaker rather than gradually recovering. These signs need assessment because they can reflect dehydration or more serious liver involvement.

Ask which symptoms suggest dehydration, whether you need repeat liver tests, which medicines to avoid, and how to reduce spread to people at home.