Hepatitis A is often subclinical or asymptomatic, that is, without symptoms, especially in children.
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate hepatitis A:
Symptoms of the prodromal stage (phase in the course of a disease in which uncharacteristic signs or early symptoms occur).
- Abdominal discomfort (in this case, upper abdominal pain).
- Nausea (nausea)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (diarrhea)
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- General feeling of illness
- Temperature increase
Symptoms of the icteric phase (duration: a few days to several weeks).
- Icterus – yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver)
- Hepatosplenomegaly (liver and spleen enlargement; splenomegaly (spleen enlargement) in approximately 25% of patients).
- Pruritus (itching)
- Exanthema (transient scarlatiniform exanthema/scarlet-like rash).
Recovery phase (2 to 4 weeks).
- Normalization of clinical findings or subjective well-being and laboratory diagnostic findings.
- In about 10% of patients, the disease can occur prolonged (prolonged), possibly up to several months, but also heals without consequences.