Hepatitis A: Is It Always Acute?

Hepatitis A is typically described in medical textbooks as an acute illness, and in clinical practice, more than 99% of Hepatitis A cases are indeed acute. Acute Hepatitis A can be further classified into two types: acute icteric hepatitis and acute anicteric hepatitis. The main distinction between the two is the presence or absence of jaundice.

Acute Icteric Hepatitis

Acute icteric hepatitis presents with the typical symptoms of liver inflammation, including fever and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite for fatty foods, and bloating. One of the most common symptoms reported by patients is fatigue, which can be severe enough to affect daily activities. Patients may feel exhausted while walking, speaking, or even lack the energy to eat.

In addition to these symptoms, individuals may experience jaundice, which manifests as dark urine resembling strong tea, along with yellowing of the skin, sclera, and eventually the entire body. This form of Hepatitis A is relatively common and often leads to noticeable physical changes that prompt medical attention.

Acute Anicteric Hepatitis

On the other hand, acute anicteric hepatitis includes similar gastrointestinal symptoms but lacks the visible signs of jaundice. Despite the absence of yellowing skin or eyes, laboratory tests often reveal significant liver damage, indicating the severity of the condition even without outward symptoms.

Recovery and Treatment

All Hepatitis A infections present acutely, and with proper care—including complete bed rest and appropriate medical treatment—patients can fully recover. The key to successful recovery lies in early diagnosis and supportive care to manage symptoms effectively.