Hepatitis A may trigger acute liver failure in people with fatty liver or cirrhosis: Mumbai doctors

Hepatitis A is a mild viral infection especially in children who often go unnoticed or recover without major complicationsHowever doctors warn that the impact of Hepatitis A can be very different in adults particularly those with underlying liver conditions such as fatty liver or cirrhosis In such individuals the infection can trigger severe complications including acute liver failure making early awareness vaccination and preventive care essentialHepatitis A is a viral infection spread through contaminated food water or poor hygiene causing symptoms like fever fatigue nausea abdominal pain and jaundice Complications can include acute liver failure prolonged jaundice and in severe cases lifethreatening liver damage requiring hospitalisation or transplant ldquoHepatitis A is less common in adults compared to children but its severity depends largely on the existing health of the liver Individuals with a healthy nonfatty liver may experience only mild symptoms similar to a routine viral illness and recover without even realising they were infected However in patients with compromised liver health the same infection can lead to serious outcomes The condition can trigger acute liver failure or what doctors call acuteonchronic liver failure in patients who already have liver damage While younger patients with otherwise healthy livers may recover with proper medical management those with early cirrhosis or advanced liver disease may not be able to regain normal liver function once it deteriorates The ability of the liver to recover depends largely on its baseline healthrdquo says Dr Anurag Shrimal director ndash Liver Transplant at Gleneagles Hospital in ParelDr Shrimal further adds ldquoIn many cases younger patients without cirrhosis may recover well with timely treatment even if complications arise However patients who already have early cirrhosis or significant liver damage may not be able to recover once their liver function declines In such situations liver transplantation becomes a critical lifesaving option This highlights the importance of early diagnosis timely medical intervention and seeking care at specialised centres equipped to manage serious liver conditions Prevention plays a key role in reducing the burden of Hepatitis A Since it is a fecaloral transmitted infection maintaining good hygiene and sanitation can significantly reduce the risk Vaccination is now available and is highly effective Adults who are not already immune should consider taking the Hepatitis A vaccine especially those with existing liver conditions Protecting liver health through preventive measures can help avoid severe complications and improve overall outcomesrdquoDr Rohan Chaudhary associate director HPB Surgery and Liver Transplant at the hospital explains ldquoHepatitis A is often underestimated in adults especially those who already have liverrelated issues What may appear like a simple infection can quickly worsen if the liver is not healthy People need to understand the status of their liver health and report symptoms such as fatigue jaundice or loss of appetite to the expert for prompt intervention Early medical care along with preventive steps like vaccination and good hygiene can go a long way in protecting the liverrdquoldquoWe regularly see patients with advanced liver conditions and our skilled team is wellequipped to manage complex cases including liver transplants when required We remain committed to strengthening liver care services and improving overall liver health through timely intervention and specialised treatmentrdquo adds Dr ChaudharyDr Chetan Kalal consultant Hepatologist and Transplant Physician at NewEra Hospital Vashi Navi Mumbai explains it more saying Hepatitis A is usually considered a mild selflimiting infection and in most healthy individuals recovery is complete However in clinical practice we do see a different picture in patients who already have underlying liver diseaseIn individuals with fatty liver Dr Kalal adds advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis the liverrsquos reserve is reduced When such a liver is exposed to an acute infection like hepatitis A it may not be able to handle the additional stress In some cases this can lead to significant worsening of liver function and rarely acute liver failure or acuteonchronic liver decompensationThe concern today is that fatty liver is increasingly common and often undiagnosed especially in younger individuals and those without obvious symptoms This means a person may appear otherwise healthy but still be at risk if they acquire hepatitis A Dr Kalal addsAt the same time the city expert says it is important to clarify that hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease The risk lies in how it interacts with a liver that is already compromisedFrom a preventive standpoint safe food and water practices good hygiene and vaccination in atrisk individuals play an important role Early medical attention in patients with known liver disease who develop symptoms such as jaundice or vomiting is equally important he concludes