When should you worry about jaundice if you have hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A inflames the liver and can reduce its ability to process bilirubin. This may cause yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, pale stools, tiredness, nausea, reduced appetite and discomfort under the ribs. The colour change can continue while the liver recovers, but its severity and accompanying symptoms still matter.

A clinician can assess hydration, mental alertness and liver function. Other illnesses and medicines can also affect jaundice, so tell the clinician about every medicine, supplement and recent travel or food exposure.

Rest, take frequent fluids if you can, and choose small meals when appetite is low. Avoid alcohol and check before using pain medicines or supplements, because the recovering liver may handle them differently. Wash hands carefully after using the bathroom and before preparing food, and follow local medical advice about limiting spread.

Seek emergency help for confusion, unusual sleepiness, fainting, bleeding, severe dehydration, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or a rapidly worsening condition. Contact a clinician promptly if you cannot drink, urine becomes much less frequent, or jaundice is deepening rather than easing. These changes need assessment of liver function and hydration.

Ask how your liver function will be monitored, which medicines are safe, how to protect household contacts, and what amount of fluid you should aim for. Ask when worsening jaundice or vomiting should trigger another review.