Hepatitis A and yellow eyes

When hepatitis A inflames the liver, bile processing can be disrupted and bilirubin can build up in the blood. This may turn the whites of the eyes and skin yellow. Dark urine, pale stools, nausea, loss of appetite, fever and feeling generally unwell may occur at the same time, although symptoms vary. Yellow eyes also have other possible causes, including problems affecting bile flow or other liver conditions. A clinician can examine you and arrange blood tests, including a liver function test, to find the cause.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly when the whites of your eyes become yellow, especially if you also feel ill or have dark urine. Until assessed, avoid alcohol and do not start pain medicines, supplements or herbal products without checking first. Drink fluids as tolerated and rest. Wash hands with soap, avoid preparing food for others and do not share personal items if hepatitis A is suspected. Tell the clinician about travel, food exposures, sick contacts and regular medicines.

Seek urgent care if yellowing is rapidly worsening, you cannot keep fluids down, urine becomes very limited, you become confused or faint, or severe abdominal pain develops. Immediate assessment is also appropriate for unusual bleeding or marked drowsiness. People with pregnancy or known liver disease should contact their care team early.

Ask what is causing the yellowing, which blood tests are needed, whether medicines should be paused, how to protect household contacts, and which changes should trigger emergency care.