Hepatitis A Diagnosed by Doctors Specializing in Liver Disease at Mercy
Our liver experts are among the best 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 Hepatitis A
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.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
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.
Treatment Options for Hepatitis A
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.
The Melissa L. Posner Institute for Digestive Health & Liver Disease at Mercy provides diagnosis and treatment for a range of gastroenterology issues including heartburn, liver disease, bowel conditions, motility disorders and pancreatic disease.