Hepatitis A Diagnosed by Doctors Specializing in Liver Disease at Mercy

This 3D medial animation describes Hepatitis A and B. This animation begins by showing a healthy liver and explaining its function. The animation then goes on to explain the causes of Hepatitis A and B, how these viruses may be transmitted, the effects the virus can have as well as possible treatments.

Dr. Paul Thuluvath, Dr. Anurag Maheshwari and Dr. Hwan Yoo are among the best doctors in the region to diagnose and treat liver disease, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Patients concerned about their exposure to hepatitis turn to the doctors at The Center for Liver and Hepatobiliary Diseases at Mercy in Baltimore for their liver disease expertise.

About the Condition

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus called hepatitis A. Highly contagious, hepatitis A is contracted from eating contaminated food or water or from close contact with a person who has hepatitis A. To prevent hepatitis A, a vaccine is available in a series of two shots. A doctor specializing in hepatitis can determine who the best candidates are for the hepatitis A vaccine.

NEXT: Symptoms & Diagnostic Process ›

Symptoms & Diagnostic Process

After being exposed to hepatitis A, it can take up to seven weeks to develop symptoms of hepatitis A, which include:

Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Fever
Stomach pain
Sore muscles
Fatigue

Hepatitis A can be diagnosed using blood tests.

NEXT: Treatment Options ›

Treatment Options

Hepatitis A does not have specific treatment options. In most cases, hepatitis A goes away on its own and does not cause permanent liver damage. Most people are free from hepatitis A symptoms within a few months.

301 St. Paul Place
Baltimore MD 21202

The Institute for Digestive Health & Liver Disease at Mercy Medical Center brings Baltimore-based top gastroenterologists, doctors, surgeons and specialists to the patient communities of the Mid-Atlantic region with leading treatments for diseases and conditions affecting the digestive tract, including liver and hepatobiliary diseases, inflammatory bowel and colorectal diseases such as Crohn's disease or colitis, conditions of the pancreas, heartburn and reflux disease (GERD), and stomach and intestinal disorders.