10 Hepatitis A Symptoms
Symptom #4: Jaundice
Jaundice refers to the yellowish or greenish pigmentation of the white of the eyes (sclera), mucous membranes, and skin. It may also be accompanied by pruritus or itching of the skin. In HAV infection high levels of bilirubin in the blood result in jaundice. It occurs in approximately 85 percent of adults, whereas it is less likely in children and infants.
Under normal circumstances, in order to be excreted in the bile and reach the gastrointestinal tract, bilirubin must undergo a process of conjugation in the liver that makes it water-soluble. Like in viral hepatitis, if there is a dysfunction of the cells of the liver, the organ decreases its ability to conjugate bilirubin and both unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin accumulate in the blood. Jaundice can occur due to many conditions (i.e. excessive breakdown of red blood cells, thyroid issues, cirrhosis, hepatitis, medications, leptospirosis, malaria, and schistosomiasis, and its treatment depends on the underlying cause.
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