Answer:

Hepatitis A, a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, transmits primarily through the digestive tract via contaminated food or water. Most individuals recover naturally within weeks or months without lasting liver damage. However, complications can occur in rare instances.

Acute liver failure stands as one of hepatitis A's most severe complications. This condition develops when the virus severely damages liver cells, diminishing liver function. Common symptoms include severe jaundice, coagulation disorders, extreme fatigue, altered consciousness, and hepatic coma. Untreated, acute liver failure can be life-threatening.

Doctor Mai advises a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Hepatitis A can also lead to extrahepatic complications, such as neurological disorders, caused by the immune system attacking peripheral nerves. This results in muscle weakness, limb numbness and tingling, and reduced reflexes. If the hepatitis A virus impacts the central nervous system, patients may develop encephalitis or meningitis.

Acute pancreatitis is a rare complication of hepatitis A. When the pancreas inflames, patients typically experience severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, along with nausea and appetite loss. Fortunately, hepatitis A rarely causes cirrhosis or liver cancer. Following recovery, the hepatitis A virus is completely eliminated from the body, and the liver regains normal function.

To prevent hepatitis A and minimize complications, individuals should get vaccinated, practice food and water hygiene, use clean water sources, and wash their hands before eating and after using the restroom.

Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai

Gastroenterology - Hepatobiliary Unit

Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7