What should you know about hepatitis A liver?

The liver processes nutrients, medicines and waste products. During hepatitis A, inflammation can interfere with these functions and may lead to poor appetite, nausea, feeling generally unwell, pale stools or dark urine. Yellowing of the eyes or skin can occur when bile processing is affected. Symptoms vary, and their presence does not by itself show how severe the liver inflammation is.

A clinician may assess the abdomen and order blood tests. A [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) measures liver-related markers and can help track change, but results need to be read alongside the examination and history. Explore [Hepatitis A](/conditions/hepatitis-a/).

Rest, drink fluids and eat small, manageable meals if appetite is low. Avoid alcohol and check with a clinician or pharmacist before taking pain medicines, herbal products or supplements, because some substances are processed by the liver. Keep any follow-up appointments and mention new symptoms. Vaccination is a prevention option; see [Hepatitis A Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-a-vaccination/).

Seek urgent medical help for confusion, extreme sleepiness, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, unusual bleeding or rapidly worsening yellowing. Contact a clinician promptly if dark urine or feeling generally unwell is progressing. Severe symptoms can reflect dehydration or significant liver dysfunction and should not wait for routine follow-up.

Ask which liver tests are needed, whether any medicines should be paused, how to maintain fluids and food, how long activity changes may be needed, and how to reduce transmission at home.