Loss of Appetite
Not everyone can develop apparent signs of hepatitis A. This is why diagnosing a patient accurately without a blood test can be hard. However, since HAV can weaken the body’s immune system, there are some subtle ways the body reacts to the virus. One of these symptoms is a sudden loss of appetite.
Hepatitis A can cause damage to the oral cavity and may lead to developing sicca syndrome and chronic inflammation. As a result, patients can experience parched mouths and difficulty swallowing. They may also have several sores and white patches around the walls of the chin. The pain and discomfort in the mouth can lead to loss of appetite.
In addition, hepatitis A can also affect the intestines. Since a damaged liver can’t make and process bile acids, the intestines can’t process the nutrients the body needs. It may also cause inflammation and irritation of the guts, making a person feel full every time. This is why patients with hepatitis A have reported losing their appetite.
