Key Points
- Liver inflammation, or hepatitis A, can range in severity from moderate to severe.
- The hepatitis A virus (HAV) spreads through direct contact with an infected person or by ingesting contaminated food or water.
- Hepatitis A almost always results in full recovery and lifetime immunity. Nonetheless, fulminant hepatitis remains a rare cause of death for hepatitis A infections.
- Poor sanitation and hygiene (such as contaminated and dirty hands) and a lack of potable water are linked to an increased risk of contracting hepatitis A.
- Hepatitis A can be avoided with a reliable and safe vaccine.
Overview
Several viral and non-infectious drugs can cause hepatitis, a liver inflammation that can lead to a variety of health problems, some of which are deadly. The hepatitis virus has five basic strains: A, B, C, D, and E. Specifically, types B and C are responsible for the majority of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and viral hepatitis deaths.
The hepatitis A virus is the cause of hepatitis A, an extremely infectious liver condition. The virus is one among various hepatitis virus types that impair liver function and induce inflammation in the liver.
The most common ways to contract hepatitis A are through tainted food or water or by coming into close contact with an infected person or object. Treatment for mild cases of hepatitis A is not necessary. A large percentage of infected people fully recover and have no long-term liver damage.
Proper hygiene, including frequent hand washing, can stop the infection from spreading. Hepatitis A can be prevented using the hepatitis A vaccine.
Mode of Transmission
Both of these methods can be used to spread hepatitis A, which is highly contagious:
- Person-to-person contact. If you care for someone who has the illness or use illicit drugs with someone who has it, you run the risk of contracting hepatitis A.
- Corrupted food or beverages. Hepatitis A cases that are food-borne are more prevalent in nations where the illness is more prevalent. Contamination may occur whenever the food is grown, processed, handled, or even cooked. Food and beverages could come into contact with a person who has hepatitis A through their excrement in the ground or elsewhere in the food chain. Alternatively, someone handling your food or drink could be infected with hepatitis A.
Risk Factors for Hepatitis A
Eating or drinking food compromised by an infected person can expose you to the sickness. Hepatitis A can also spread if you:
- Consume any fruits, vegetables, or other items that have been handled or prepared by an infected individual.
- Consume raw shellfish that has been collected from the virus’s habitat.
- Consume tainted ice.
- Have sex with an infected person
When HAV is contracted, people get infected with hepatitis A. Eating or drinking food or beverages tainted with the virus-containing feces is the usual method of virus transmission. Once propagated, the virus causes swelling and inflammation in the liver by traveling through the circulation to the organ.
Prevention against Hepatitis A
Getting vaccinated against hepatitis A is the best strategy to prevent contracting the disease. The administration of this vaccination consists of two shots spaced six to twelve months apart.
Additionally, to reduce your risk of acquiring hepatitis A, you ought to:
- Before eating or drinking, wash your hands well with soap and warm water. Also, in underdeveloped nations or in places where there is a significant risk of catching hepatitis A,
- Drink bottled water rather than tap water after using the restroom.
- Eat at well-known, respected restaurants as opposed to getting food from street vendors.
- Eat only raw or peeled produce if you’re in a region with poor hygiene or sanitation standards.
Hepatitis A Outbreak Reasons
The most common reason according to previous outbreaks in the history of Hepatitis A, is found to be food and water contamination. There are some other modes of transmission for Hepatitis A but mass infection needs a bulk exposure to infection. I have mentioned in the above section the other ways that can infect you.
Complications of Hepatitis A
Approximately 10% of those who have had hepatitis A develop a recurrence. Most persons who relapse completely recover.
Hepatitis A does not induce chronic (permanent) liver damage.
The condition is more severe in elderly people and those who already have liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.
Although complications from hepatitis A are uncommon, the illness might result in fulminant hepatitis. This is an acute form of hepatitis that can lead to liver failure. The chance of dying from fulminant hepatitis increases with age.
Diagnosis of Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A infection cases are indistinguishable from other kinds of acute viral hepatitis.
The presence of HAV-specific immunoglobulin G (IgM) antibodies in the blood provides a precise diagnosis.
Further investigations include reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to identify hepatitis A viral RNA, which may need specialist laboratory resources.
Homeopathy for Hepatitis A
Homeopathy is a very efficient and safe way to help with Hepatitis and other liver ailments. It helps to reduce skin, mucous membranes, and sclera discoloration. These remedies support the liver and metabolic system. Homeopathy works by addressing the underlying cause rather than merely the symptoms of Hepatitis illness. The procedure is mild, and the alleviation is usually long-lasting.
Numerous homeopathic remedies can help. A few are –
- Andrographis paniculata – Effective for resistant jaundice. Beneficial in Hepatitis B and C. When Chelidonium Majus is ineffective, it is discovered to be beneficial.
- Arsenic album – Arsenic Album is the finest homeopathic remedy that can help with hepatitis caused by an unhealthy diet or food poisoning. Warm liquids help to relieve the searing discomfort in the liver.
- Aurum metallicum – Excellent for jaundice during pregnancy. Epigastric distention with increased thirst and hunger, followed by burning sensations and hot eructations.
- Carduus marianus – Carduus Marianus is a very efficient in aiding liver cirrhosis and general edema. The liver is engorged and laterally enlarged, which worsens with pressure. Jaundice.
- Chelidonium is a highly efficient remedy for an enlarged liver with soreness. Hepatomegaly with biliary consequences. Chelidonium is also effective for managing dull, throbbing liver discomfort. Obstruction of the liver and gallbladder causes jaundice. Pain worsens after eating. Increased craving for hot meals and beverages
- Chionanthus – Chionanthus is quite helpful in chronic jaundice that reoccurs every summer. The symptoms include an enlarged liver, constipation, clay-colored feces, and very yellow skin.
- Crotalus horridus is used to help with jaundice, which occurs when the entire body turns yellow. Pain in the liver, coldness, and persistent nausea and vomiting. Jaundice and hemorrhagic symptoms. Atonic dyspepsia. Blood transfusions cause complications.
- Lycopodium is the atrophic type of nutmeg liver. Shooting pain across the lower abdomen from right to left, excessive flatulence. Bread is aggravating. A need for sweet and warm items.
- Natrum sulphuricum – Natrum sulphuricum is an excellent homeopathic remedy that in indicated for liver disorders such as jaundice, which is characterized by a sensitive, painful, and irritated liver area to touch. Bile vomiting is another sign.
- Nux vomica – Hepatitis accompanied by constipation. Stitches and discomfort expand the liver. The liver is an alcoholic liver.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. 1. What are the causes of hepatitis A?
Ans. Hepatitis is a viral infectious disease. Hepatitis A virus (HAV), also known as hepatovirus, is a tiny, un-enveloped symmetrical RNA virus that has many traits with the picornavirus family and is the cause of infectious or epidemic hepatitis spread by the fecal-oral route.
Q. 2. Can hepatitis A be cured?
Ans. There are not any specific treatments available for Hepatitis A but Homoeopathic treatment can surely help you with the complaints and can boost the healing. Hepatitis A therapy often focuses on maintaining comfort and reducing symptoms. You might need to:
- Rest. Many persons with hepatitis A are fatigued, unwell, and have little energy.
- Get enough food and liquids. Eat a well-balanced, healthful diet. Nausea can make eating difficult. Snack throughout the day instead of eating complete meals. To gain adequate calories, consume more high-calorie meals. Consider drinking fruit juice or milk instead of water. Drinking enough fluids is critical to avoiding dehydration, particularly if vomiting or diarrhea occurs.
- Avoid drinking and take drugs cautiously. Your liver may have trouble digesting drugs and alcohol. If you have hepatitis, avoid drinking alcohol. It may cause liver damage.
Q. 3. Why is there a recent outbreak of Hepatitis A in Kerela?
Ans. The rise in heat, decrease in rainfall, and reduction in surface water have all had an impact on drinking water quality, increasing the risk of water-related illnesses such as Hepatitis A, typhoid, and gastroenteritis, which propagate through contaminated water and food, especially when fecal matter pollutes water sources.
Dr Kiran Swami
Dr. Kiran Swami, BHMS, MD (Hom.), a Research Officer at BJain Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., holds degrees from Nehru Homeopathic Medical College, Delhi, and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur. With expertise in homeopathy and a passion for research, she drives innovation in holistic healthcare solutions.