Does hepatitis A cause cirrhosis?

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Hepatitis A (also known as Hepatitis A) is an acute liver disease in which the hepatitis A virus (hepatitis A virus) is the causative agent. Hepatitis A is usually transmitted through the gastrointestinal tract, mainly from the feces of an infected person to the normal person, for example through contaminated food.
Usually hepatitis A does not have a chronic phase and does not cause permanent damage to the liver. The human immune system can produce antibodies to the hepatitis A virus, which are remembered and immune to subsequent infections. Hepatitis A vaccines are available to date, with a minimum of 10 years of immunity.

Cirrhosis is the later stage of liver diseases such as hepatitis or chronic alcoholism. The main mechanism of cirrhosis is the development of scar tissue causing fibrosis. Normally, the liver parenchyma is able to repair itself after injury, but some damage can cause scar tissue. The more advanced cirrhosis, the more scar tissue forms, the less efficient the liver works and life-threatening.

According to experts, cirrhosis can be caused by one or more of the following reasons:
Chronic alcoholics; Cirrhosis caused by hepatitis caused by viruses (B, C, D); Patients with severe fatty liver; Iron and copper build up in the body (Hemochromatosis); Cystic cirrhosis; Inefficient functioning of the bile ducts (bile duct Atresia); Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency ; Inherited disorders of sugar metabolism (galactosemia or glycogen storage disease);

Hereditary digestive disorders (Alagille); Acquired liver disease caused by the immune system (also called autoimmune hepatitis); Primary biliary cirrhosis; Scarring of the bile ducts; Prolonged use of medicines such as methotrexate or isoniazid. Thus, hepatitis A is the least dangerous of the viral hepatitis types and has a very low risk of leading to cirrhosis. Hepatitis A can be dangerous if the patient is subjectively not monitored for treatment or does not adhere to a cooked and boiled diet.
To prevent hepatitis A as well as other diseases leading to cirrhosis, each person should:
Regular medical check-ups, full vaccinations; Should eat cooked and drink boiling; Maintain a healthy lifestyle, limit alcohol, tobacco and some stimulants harmful to health; Use medication only when prescribed and directed by your doctor. Exercise regularly to improve fitness, maintain weight and increase resistance. SEE ALSO: Warning signs that need to be screened for liver cancer