Best Hepatitis A Doctors in Mumbai

Hepatitis A is a viral that causes inflammation in the liver. The hepatitis A virus (HAV), is the causative agent and is highly contagious. The virus spreads mainly through food or water contaminated with faecal matter, person-to-person contact with an infected individual and poor hygiene practices such as inadequate handwashing after using the toilet.

In Mumbai, the risk of contamination could be high in densely populated areas. Despite its common occurrence, highly qualified specialists for hepatitis A are available at Apollo Hospitals Mumbai, providing top-tier medical services. Thus, with stringent preventive measures and access to the best hepatitis A treatment doctors in Mumbai, residents can protect themselves from this infection.

Types/Stages of Hepatitis A

This is an acute disease which progresses through several stages noted by specialists for hepatitis A as:

• Prodromal Phase: This initial stage presents symptoms such as fever, joint pain or arthritis, rashes and swelling.

• Preicteric Phase: In this stage, the patient may experience fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, fever, cough and abdominal pain with possible diarrhoea.

• Icteric Phase: Jaundice develops in this phase. There may be worsening of anorexia and nausea/vomiting, coupled with skin itchiness.

• Convalescent Stage: At this stage, the individual enters the recovery stage.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A

Symptoms of hepatitis could vary amongst individuals. Yet, some common ones observed by hepatitis A disease doctors include:

• Flu-like symptoms such as fever and body aches

• Abdominal pain (especially on the upper right side)

• Light-coloured stool and dark urine

• Appetite loss leading to unexplained weight loss

• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)

• Itching and joint pain

These symptoms usually surface 2-6 weeks post-exposure to the virus.

Tests to Diagnose Hepatitis A

At Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai, a range of tests are conducted by the best doctors for hepatitis A to provide diagnosis, such as:

• Physical examination: To check for signs of liver disease such as yellowing of the skin and eyes, abdominal tenderness, and enlarged liver.

• Hepatitis viral panel: Identifies if the infection is new or older.

• Blood tests: Help check for raised IgM and IgG antibodies to hepatitis A and monitor liver enzyme levels.

• Ultrasound: An abdominal ultrasound may be performed to assess the liver’s size and structure and to rule out other potential causes of liver disease, such as gallstones or tumours.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Hepatitis A at Apollo Hospitals Mumbai

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. However, the hepatitis A virus treatment doctors at Apollo Hospitals Mumbai ensure optimal patient care through:

• Rest and rehydration: Foundational for the body's recovery.

• Avoiding toxic substances: Advising patients to steer clear from harmful substances like alcohol and certain medications.

• Hygiene: Encouraging good hygiene practices to prevent further spread of the virus.

• Vaccination: If required, administration of immune globulin or vaccine to those exposed to HAV but have not contracted the disease earlier or have not been vaccinated.