Why does hepatitis A cause nausea?

Hepatitis A is an infection that inflames the liver. The resulting illness can affect appetite, energy, and the way your stomach feels, so nausea may be part of the early illness or accompany other symptoms. Nausea is a common presentation of Hepatitis A. It does not identify the cause on its own: stomach infections, medicines, pregnancy, migraine, and many other conditions can also cause nausea. Some people also notice fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or jaundice.

Prevent dehydration by taking frequent small sips of fluid. Small bland meals may be easier than rich, greasy, or strongly scented foods; eat only as your comfort allows. Rest and avoid alcohol while liver inflammation is being considered. Do not start over-the-counter remedies, supplements, or herbal preparations without advice from a clinician or pharmacist, since some can be unsuitable when the liver is affected. Medical review can determine whether tests are needed.

Contact a clinician promptly if nausea persists, you cannot keep fluids down, or you develop yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, pale stools, worsening abdominal pain, or marked weakness. Seek urgent care for confusion, fainting, severe drowsiness, vomiting blood, black stools, or signs of dehydration such as passing very little urine.

You can ask whether your travel, food, household, or contact history raises concern for hepatitis A; whether blood tests are appropriate; what you can eat and drink; and which warning signs need immediate care.