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Botkin's disease (epidemic hepatitis), symptoms, treatment. Botkin's disease - symptoms and treatment

Botkin's disease, or in other words hepatitis A, refers to infectious forms causing disease liver. Causes a disease that is resistant to environmental influences, a virus. It can be detected in the blood of a sick person in the incubation phase at the very beginning of damage to the body.

Botkin's disease virus very resilient, he is not afraid of anything disinfectants, can exist together with food for about a year; heat treatment partially destroys it. Overpopulated countries or places with unfavorable hygienic conditions are favorable for its spread. Control of the disease is only possible if the population is vaccinated.

The carrier of Botkin's disease can be a sick person, as well as food or water contaminated during contact with the carrier. The carriers are rodents and flies, but most often this is facilitated by unwashed hands of the person himself. The disease is transmitted through oral-fecal or household sources.

The disease got its name from the name of a famous Russian in the 19th century. doctor S. Botkin, who was one of the first to study the nature of the disease. Wide use hepatitis A was acquired during the Second World War, but now the disease is often not widespread, but manifests itself in isolated cases or breaks out in small lesions.

Jaundice, this is another name for Botkin's disease, can be contracted at any age, but those who are ill in infancy receive immunity for life.

Botkin's disease can be caught:

Stages of development of Botkin's disease

The first stage is the entry of the virus into the body. Penetrating into the body orally, the virus bypasses the stomach, the acid of which is absolutely safe for it. Through the intestines, it penetrates into the bloodstream by absorption, and then into the liver.
The second stage is the reproduction of the virus. Having quickly spread through the liver cells, the disease exits the bile ducts and leaves the body through the intestines with feces.
The third stage is the development of immunological protection. This process occurs at the time of manifestation of inflammatory processes in the liver. Special cells, t-lymphocytes, destroy damaged cells, which disrupts liver function. There is a blockage of the bile ducts.
The fourth stage is to stop the virus from reproducing. After the immune system’s defenses are activated, antibodies begin to be produced, which cleanse the body of the virus.

Symptoms of Botkin's disease

During the maturation stage, which lasts from 14 to 40 days, Botkin practically does not manifest himself and has a veiled character. After the incubation cycle, the first symptoms appear, indicating the presence of infection. Most often it is minor stomach upset, presence bad smell from the mouth, which does not give rise to serious worries. The next signs are nausea and vomiting, accompanied by abdominal pain.

Over time, during the course of Botkin's disease, the symptoms become clearly defined. Appears:

increased body temperature, cough, runny nose (may last about a week);
a feeling of heaviness in the liver, an increase in its size;
prostration;
irritability;
weakness and drowsiness;
constipation or diarrhea;
urine becomes dark color, has foaminess;
feces have a light, sometimes even white, tint;
joint pain;
uneven pulse;
low pressure;
a decrease in temperature leading to a febrile state.

A clear symptom of Botkin's disease is yellowness of the skin, palate and eye whites. First, the sclera changes color, then the face, torso, hard palate, hands and palms. This occurs due to the fact that bilirubin produced by the liver begins to enter the blood rather than the intestines. large quantities. This is how the virus acts on the liver. IN severe cases yellowness can last for about 3 months, recovery occurs slowly.

After the yellowness disappears, the liver is still long time remains enlarged. This period lasts from a week to several months. This means only one thing - recovery has not occurred.

It is worth remembering that yellowness of the skin may appear even after a clogged bile duct, therefore, an accurate diagnosis, after the manifestation of this symptom, is established only after all the necessary tests have been carried out.

There are several models for the course of Botkin's disease:

If the immune system actively works, recovery can even occur by itself. Treatment mainly consists of easing the progression of hepatitis A.

Ways to alleviate Botkin's disease

At the first signs of jaundice, the patient must be urgently isolated, because he is a carrier of the virus. The patient is hospitalized and a favorable atmosphere is created for rest, recuperation and recovery. IN advanced cases, the liver undergoes irreversible processes, there is a risk of liver tissue necrosis, which leads to dystrophy and death of the patient.

Successful prevention methods include: vaccination. Currently there is no compulsory vaccination against Botkin's disease, but it must be done independently by those at risk. These are children attending kindergarten, tourists going to visit other countries, people in contact with the sick. Vaccination forms the body’s protection for up to 10 years, and is carried out in 2 stages, with a break of six months.

Following a daily routine and personal hygiene rules can not only reduce the risk, but also completely prevent Botkin's disease.

Botkin's disease - acute infection. It is caused by the hepatitis A virus and infects about ten million people every year. Residents are especially susceptible to the disease developing countries, as well as people living in areas with no high level sanitary conditions.

Typically, in such regions, Botkin's disease is transmitted in childhood, after which a person remains immune to this virus for life, just as with other “childhood” viral diseases (measles, rubella, chickenpox, mumps). It has been noticed that in most cases, children tolerate the disease much easier than adults.

In general, hepatitis A can be successfully cured, because there are many medical technician and drugs to defeat this virus. Death is possible only if there is severe complications, and such cases in modern medical practice are extremely rare.

Botkin's disease does not have a chronic form, its symptoms do not cause inevitable changes in the human body. Prevention of illness is a simple vaccination. This method has been effective in preventing hepatitis A epidemics around the world for many years, although in the past they were quite common.

To a greater extent, the symptoms of Botkin's disease are characteristic of residents of hot countries in Africa, as well as Asia, but isolated cases of the disease occur on any of the earth's continents. Therefore, timely diagnosis of the disease and its treatment are so important. early stages. The only sure way out if you suspect yourself or your loved ones are infected with the hepatitis A virus is to consult a doctor.

Unsanitary conditions are the main concomitant of Botkin's disease.

Its symptoms may appear after eating foods that have not been prepared or contained in accordance with established regulations. sanitary standards, contaminated water or result from poor personal hygiene.

Infection is also sometimes possible due to the use of infected syringes, transfusion of contaminated blood, or unprotected sexual intercourse. Thus, the hepatitis A virus is transmitted in the following ways:

Fecal-oral.
Parenteral.

Research is currently underway on the presence of the hepatitis A virus in ocean water. Interestingly, the virus can survive for up to several months in both fresh and salt water. It can also withstand temperatures up to 60°C.

Manifestations of the disease

Botkin's disease has three stages of development, which are distinguished according to the degree of harm caused by the virus to the body:

At the initial stage of manifestation of the presence of the virus in the body, the signs coincide with the symptoms of many other diseases, or even just overwork, so it can be difficult to diagnose.

These signs include:

But it happens that initial stage does not manifest itself at all, and after the apparent period of absolute health of the body, a severe stage of hepatitis A immediately sets in.

It should also be noted that the disease has a rather long incubation period, it can last from two to five weeks. That is, from the moment of infection to the time when at least some symptoms begin to appear, a significant period of time will pass.

But for more late stages disease, at its height, symptoms appear that clearly indicate that we're talking about specifically about hepatitis A:

And in severe forms, there are the following additional signs:

The most dangerous is the critical (malignant) form of Botkin's disease.

Its manifestations are very serious and require increased attention, and the cure in this case is not easy and lasts a long period of time. However, it is worth noting that the mortality rate from the hepatitis A virus is no more than 0.5%. The main symptoms of the critical stage of the disease:

Such acute stage may even require a liver transplant or part of the liver, as the organ tissue gradually dies. But timely diagnosis and treatment will correct the situation.

Remember! The hepatitis virus is easily transmitted in household conditions, so try to protect uninfected family members from infection.

It is necessary to observe simple precautions, the same as when contacting a person with other infectious diseases (separate dishes for the patient, avoiding close contact, etc.).

Botkin's disease affects both men and women equally. Its symptoms develop equally in both sexes and, accordingly, they will have to undergo an identical treatment procedure. The only thing that doctors recommend specifically for women who have had Botkin's disease is to avoid pregnancy for a year after the disease.

There is also an opinion that if a pregnant woman is sick with the hepatitis A virus, this can negatively affect the health of the unborn child, but this theory has not been proven, and therefore does not necessarily justify itself.

How to overcome the disease?

Since the human immune system has the ability to fight the disease on its own, light form hepatitis A can be cured without taking drastic measures. You just need to follow some simple recommendations:

Since hepatitis A is viral disease and is transmitted by everyday means, all people living in the same area as the patient should receive a dose of anti-hepatitis immunoglobulin in order to prevent infection,

After a person has suffered from the disease, and all the troubles seem to be behind him, because the body produces antibodies that are resistant to the hepatitis A virus, he will still have to follow some of the doctor’s recommendations. Your life will never be the same again, because the liver is very weakened after the illness and requires special attention.

To avoid complications, be prepared for a number of the following main contraindications:

Otherwise, complications such as autoimmune hepatitis, liver failure, encephalopathy or cirrhosis of the liver.

Minor consequences of the disease can be dealt with at home.

Drink as much and often as possible pumpkin juice, eat cereals, dairy products and lean meats. Try to avoid fatty and fried foods in your diet, and make do with a small amount of spices and salt. They will also help you frequent appointments food in small portions (eat at least 5 times a day).

Today the world knows a million different diseases, most of which people have learned to successfully fight. Of course, in our lives we encounter only some diseases. One of these is Botkin's disease. How this disease is transmitted, how to treat and prevent it, every mother should know. After all, the infection often affects the child’s body.

What types of hepatitis are there?

The liver is one of the main human organs. It synthesizes proteins and bile acids, accumulates and breaks down glucose. The main function of the liver is to filter all incoming substances. Of course, if the liver’s function is impaired, the entire human body suffers.

There may be several causes of disease in this organ:

Infections (hepatitis A, B, C, E, D). Diabetes mellitus. Long-term use antibacterial drugs and other medications. Alcohol abuse. Heredity. Ecology. Lifestyle and unacceptable working conditions.

Liver diseases include:

Viral hepatitis (A, B, C, etc.). Each form has its own developmental characteristics, treatment methods and consequences. All forms of viral hepatitis are transmitted through household contact, through sperm, and also from mother to child. Toxic hepatitis is a reaction to taking medications. Alcoholic hepatitis occurs as a result of alcohol abuse.

All hepatitis, except form C, are treatable. Hepatitis C is cirrhosis of the liver. There is no cure for this disease. The disease always ends in death.

Hepatitis A

Or as it is also called - Botkin's disease (in honor of the doctor who discovered the disease) - an acute viral disease that primarily affects the liver. They also suffer from nervous digestive system and kidneys.

The disease can be called an epidemic, outbreaks of which are typical for countries in Africa, Asia, and South America.

A large percentage of hepatitis A patients are children, adolescents and the elderly. The main symptoms of Botkin's disease are icteric complexion, headaches, diarrhea. Hepatitis A - curable disease. It is enough to go to the hospital for help in a timely manner. There are, of course, deaths – 0,1 – 0,3 %.

Causes of the disease

The virus that causes hepatitis A is highly resistant to external environment. It has an acid-resistant shell, as a result of which the protective barrier of the stomach is not afraid of it. For a long time Hepatitis bacteria persist in water. Therefore, the main cause of epidemics is contaminated sources drinking water. Botkin's disease is also transmitted through contact and household contact, sometimes by airborne droplets, and also through blood. The virus can be carried by flies. Bacteria, entering the body, are absorbed through the intestines into the blood, after which they spread throughout the body and affect the liver.

The incubation period ranges from 10 to 40 days, after which the first symptoms of the disease begin. Having had jaundice once, a person receives stable immunity for life. Such people can no longer be blood donors.

Symptoms of Botkin's disease

Hepatitis A can occur in the body in several forms: mild (most cases), moderate (about 30%) and severe (1-3%).

Depending on the form of the disease, symptoms may also be different. Mainly:

Increased body temperature, lethargy, fatigue. Nausea, vomiting, frustration. Pain in the liver area. When palpated, this organ is noticeably enlarged. Disturbed sleep, lack of appetite. A runny nose and cough may occur. The skin and membranes of the eyes acquire a characteristic yellowish color. The icteric period lasts from three to six weeks. The urine becomes dark, the feces, on the contrary, become discolored.

Often the signs of the disease are perceived as a common cold (flu, ARVI), and not as Botkin’s disease. Symptoms worsen, jaundice appears, and only then do patients consult a doctor.

On average, the disease lasts about forty days. The course of the disease depends on age, immunity, concomitant diseases and treatment methods.

One-year-old children and the elderly are more susceptible to infection. Therefore, everyone should know what Botkin’s disease is, how it is transmitted and what its symptoms are. After all, the disease often affects entire families. Timely diagnosis may protect against severe forms of the disease.

Complications after hepatitis A

Hepatitis A, unlike its other forms, is completely curable. After therapy, liver function is restored. People gain lifelong immunity.

IN in rare cases Botkin's disease causes health problems. The causes and symptoms of complications can only be associated with non-compliance with doctor’s instructions, violation of bed rest and poor diet.

Patients may complain of continued pain and vomiting for another two months after therapy. This normal phenomenon, no need to panic.

You can minimize the complications and consequences of hepatitis with the help of proper dietary nutrition.

Food should be consumed in small portions, but often. During illness, a person loses a large number of vitamins, so you definitely need to replenish them. The diet should include fresh vegetables, fruits, juices, dairy products. The consumption of fatty, salty, smoked, pickled and spicy foods is prohibited. “Fasting” days are encouraged. Dairy products, vegetables and fruits are well suited for this. For those who love alcoholic drinks you will have to give them up for a while. All food products must undergo careful processing.

How to treat Botkin's disease?

First of all, to establish accurate diagnosis you should go to the hospital. Only a doctor, after examining and passing all the tests, can give an opinion to the patient. Considering that Botkin's disease symptoms are not always pronounced, talking about the presence of infection in the body without additional diagnostics impossible. For research you need: blood (general and biochemical analysis), urine and feces. If class M antibodies were detected in biomaterials, this indicates the presence of infection in the body. Antibodies of class G – immunity to the disease.

Determine how to treat Botkin's disease and symptoms. Treatment of mild and moderate forms of the disease can be done at home. The main thing is bed rest And dietary food. Important role plays a role in drinking, which is necessary to reduce intoxication. Treatment of severe forms of hepatitis A is carried out inpatiently, in infectious diseases departments.

To improve liver function, in addition to vitamins, may be prescribed specific drugs such as "Gepabene", "Essentiale".

Diet No. 5 for liver diseases

It's no secret that the correct and healthy food – best helper in the fight against diseases and infections. For each type of disease there are therapeutic nutrition schemes developed by Soviet nutritionist Mikhail Pevzner.

Diet No. 5 is designed specifically to improve liver function. The essence of the diet is to limit the consumption of fatty and harmful products. So, during illness you need to exclude:

Smoked, fatty, marinades, pickles and offal. Fresh baked goods and confectionery. Hot herbs and spices. Carbonated drinks, strong coffee and alcohol. Day-old bread, dried flour products. Cereals, soups, porridges. Vegetables, fruits. Low-fat dairy products. Lean meat and broths. Teas, juices, coffee with milk. Vitamins.

It is better to cook food by steaming. This preserves a large number of useful microelements.

Symptoms of Botkin's disease in children

Botkin's disease is an acute intestinal infections. You can become infected with the disease through food, water, and also from infected patients.

The incubation period averages 28 days, after which the disease itself begins, which consists of three stages: pre-icteric, icteric and convalescent. Each period has its own symptoms.

At the first stage of the disease, the child becomes very capricious and loses appetite. Sleep may be disturbed and the temperature may rise. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea appear. This period is also characterized by the appearance of cough and runny nose.

The symptoms of Botkin's disease in adults and children are initially the same and can often be mistaken for another disease (for example, influenza). When the icteric period begins, the patient’s condition improves. However, yellowness appears on the eye membranes and skin. Pain in the liver may also occur. At this time, the patient begins to perceive the symptoms of Botkin’s disease correctly and seeks help from a doctor.

The recovery period is characterized by the gradual extinction of all symptoms. Liver functions are restored, the patient's condition is stabilized. Sometimes nausea and pain may persist for a month or two after recovery.

Considering how complex Botkin’s disease can be and how the pathogen is transmitted, it is better to treat in hospitals. This applies in particular to families with young children or elderly people.

Botkin's disease and pregnancy

Botkin's disease is very dangerous disease for expectant mothers. While most people with hepatitis A have mild and average shape illness, then pregnant women almost always suffer from a severe form.

Botkin's disease during pregnancy causes liver dystrophy. The infection also penetrates through the placenta to the baby. Children born from infected mothers often have various defects and pathologies. The woman herself may die during childbirth. This is because the disease affects blood clotting. Caesarean section is also contraindicated.

At all stages of pregnancy, the cause of miscarriages is premature birth and stillborn children is Botkin's disease. Every woman should know the symptoms, treatment and signs of Botkin's disease. Proper preventive measures will help her protect herself from sad consequences this disease during pregnancy.

Prevention of hepatitis A

Of all types of hepatitis, the easiest to prevent is hepatitis A (Botkin's disease), which is transmitted by the fecal-oral route. To do this, it is enough to observe the rules of personal hygiene, as well as educate people about this disease.

Symptoms of Botkin's disease can be different, but the main ones are jaundice, vomiting, headaches and diarrhea. If people sought help in a timely manner, perhaps the number of patients would be significantly reduced. After all, the incubation period of hepatitis A lasts quite a long time, and all this time the person is already a carrier of the pathogen.

To protect yourself and your loved ones from this disease, you should follow these simple rules:

Always and everywhere you need to wash your hands with soap. Handle food carefully. Vegetables and fruits should only be washed under running water. It is better to boil tap water. The pathogenic bacteria are resistant to the aquatic environment, and boiling kills them in a matter of minutes. Food products should be purchased in specialized stores and not in spontaneous markets. If possible, it is better to get vaccinated against hepatitis A.

Be healthy!

“Botkin’s disease, symptoms, treatment, complications” is a topic that everyone should become familiar with. The cause of many diseases and infections is ignorance!

When a person is aware and consults a doctor in a timely manner, there will be fewer complications. It should be remembered that severe forms of hepatitis A can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer, although this happens very rarely.

One of the least dangerous and favorable types of hepatitis in terms of prognosis is type A or Botkin's disease. Despite the fact that the disease is quite severe for the patient, it usually does not cause negative consequences for the liver and favorably ends with the complete recovery of the person with the development of lifelong immunity.

How is jaundice or Botkin's disease transmitted?

The disease in question is viral infectious nature and is transmitted by the fecal-oral route. This means that a hepatitis carrier who does not observe personal hygiene rules, for example, does not wash his hands after using the toilet, is potentially dangerous. When sharing utensils, cosmetics with such a person, the risk of infection is very high. In addition, jaundice is transmitted through food and water.

It should be noted that direct contact with a carrier of hepatitis A is not necessary.

Symptoms of Botkin's disease

The incubation period proceeds without any clinical manifestations, this time ranges from 2 weeks to 50 days.

After this interval, the first signs of Botkin’s disease appear:

heat; noticeable weakness constant drowsiness and fatigue; heaviness in the liver area; pain in the upper epigastric region; nausea, vomiting; subsequent decrease in body temperature to subfebrile values; lack of appetite, anorexia; liver enlargement; darkening of urine; acquisition feces very light color, up to white; discomfort when bending and straightening joints; yellowing skin and the whites of the eyes, as well as the palate.

It should be noted that the peak of the disease occurs very quickly and after complete yellowing of the skin and sclera, the person begins to feel much better, the liver decreases in volume. Moreover, with at this moment the patient is no longer contagious.

Infectious hepatitis or Botkin's disease - treatment

In fact, the human body heals itself and in some cases, jaundice is tolerated “on the feet” without special therapy.

In order to speed up the recovery process, the patient is provided with bed rest, following a diet (first No. 5a, and then No. 5), taking detoxification medications and vitamins. It is also recommended to increase the daily volume of fluid you drink - about 3 liters of water per day. Maintenance water-salt balance And protective functions the body is prescribed intravenous administration Ringer-Locke solutions, glucose.

Most hepatologists also practice infusions with sorbents (Reosorbilact) and hepatoprotectors (Glutargin). Symptomatic treatment sometimes includes injections of Papaverine and Vikasol - drugs that relieve spasm of the smooth muscles of the abdominal cavity.

Thus, therapy is aimed mainly at eliminating the signs of hepatitis A and improving the patient’s overall well-being. In the future, hepatoprotectors can be used for oral administration (Gepabene, Ursosan).

It is important to remember that, despite the absence of complications of Botkin's disease, it is serious illness, causing harm to all body systems due to poisoning by toxic compounds. Therefore, the duration of treatment is about 1 month, after which the person is given leave from work for another 2 weeks. Moreover, weakness does not go away immediately and persists for another 3-6 months, during which you should continue to follow a diet and try to avoid both physical and emotional stress.

Prevention of Botkin's disease

The only measure that will help prevent infection is to follow the rules of hygiene. You need to keep your hands, water and food consumed clean. Try to have less contact with unscrupulous people, do not eat in suspicious places and do not try unwashed berries and fruits in markets.

Hepatitis A (Botkin's disease) is a viral infection of the liver that occurs as a result of violation of personal hygiene rules, consumption of food or water contaminated with viruses. This infection belongs to the category of “diseases of dirty hands”. Most common in hot countries.

Botkin's disease is widespread in Asian and African countries, including traditional tourist countries - Tunisia, Egypt, Turkey, India. Children under 5-6 years of age are most often affected; many suffer light form hepatitis A.

Outbreaks are common in children's groups; after illness, lifelong immunity remains.

Causes

Botkin's disease is caused by a virus that is transmitted through water, food and dirty hands.

When viruses enter the intestines, they are absorbed and enter the liver through the blood. The development of infection occurs in liver cells, damaging them and causing the main symptoms of the disease. The inflammatory process has an immune mechanism; the body recognizes damaged cells and destroys them.

Who is at risk of getting sick?

There is a high risk of developing Botkin's disease if:

close contacts with patients, violation of hygiene rules;
during kissing, sexual intercourse;
when traveling abroad to countries with high incidence rates;
when using drugs.

How to find out about infection

If Botkin's disease is suspected or to determine the presence of immunity, blood is tested to detect antibodies to the anti-HAV IgG virus.

If they are present in the blood, this indicates that there has already been contact with the virus (as a result of vaccination or illness). In this case, re-infection is impossible; vaccination is not necessary.

If there are no antibodies, it means there is no immunity to Botkin’s disease and routine or emergency vaccination and administration of immunoglobulin are necessary (it can prevent infection or stop the infection within two weeks).

All family members of the sick person and contact persons, if this is a child, are subject to examination.

Symptoms of Botkin's disease

Botkin's disease occurs in stages, the incubation period from the moment of infection lasts from 15 to 50 days.

After its completion, the stage of prodromal phenomena begins (i.e. common symptoms) - symptoms of general intoxication of the body occur:

At the height of Botkin's disease, the following appear:

foamy and dark urine;
jaundice, manifested on the skin, mucous membranes and whites of the eyes;
discoloration of stool.

Against the background of jaundice general health the patient is improving. Jaundice lasts about a month, gradually decreasing in intensity.

Depending on the age and state of immunity, the disease lasts from 30 to 40 days; in weakened patients it can progress to chronic form, lasting up to six months.

Most cases of Botkin's disease lead to complete recovery, without any consequences.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is made by an infectious disease doctor.

To make a diagnosis, it is important to indicate contact with a carrier of Botkin’s disease or stay in countries that are dangerous for infection. A detailed examination is required to determine the size of the liver and spleen and a number of tests.

Required:

general blood and urine analysis;
blood test for bilirubin and liver enzymes (liver tests);
blood chemistry;
blood for antibodies to hepatitis;
blood for clotting.

Criterion acute form Botkin's disease - detection of class M antibodies in the blood; with chronic course or immunity, class G antibodies appear.

Treatment of Botkin's disease

Due to active work immune system to fight viruses, recovery occurs even without treatment. The use of therapy methods is aimed at alleviating the condition and relieving the symptoms of intoxication.

Held:

for a while acute period“liver” diet (table No. 5);
creating peace, isolating the patient;
removal of intoxication by administering solutions of glucose and sodium chloride;
administration of vitamins to maintain immunity and liver function;
administration of drugs that protect liver cells from destruction.

The diet of table No. 5 includes boiled or stewed vegetarian dishes, dairy, cereal dishes, and lean meat. Fatty, fried, spicy foods, spices and excess salt are prohibited. It is important to eat often, at least five times, in small portions.

More information about nutrition for Botkin's disease is written in our separate article.

Antiviral therapy is not carried out because it is ineffective. When antibodies are detected in the blood of contact persons, they are administered anti-hepatitis immunoglobulin to prevent infection.

Complications

Botkin's disease is severe in children under one year of age and in the elderly. In adults, hepatitis A is accompanied by severe intoxication.

Possible cases of anicterus mild course illness, such a person is a source of infection, especially dangerous for children.

For defects in the immune system or early age up to six months, a severe course of Botkin’s disease occurs with the development of liver damage up to death.

Hepatitis A is similar in many manifestations to other hepatitis, so any cases of jaundice require examination.

Prevention

Prevention of Botkin's disease is vaccination. It is not currently on the calendar. mandatory vaccinations, but is strongly recommended for children attending kindergartens, people traveling on vacation and people at high risk of contact.

The vaccine is administered twice, with an interval of 6 months, and full immunity is formed for up to 10 years. Vaccination is carried out for children from three years of age, adults who have not had hepatitis A, and people at risk.

Hepatitis A (Botkin's disease) is a viral infectious disease with acute course, which affects people from different age categories. In case of progression of such pathology, development is observed inflammatory process in liver tissues. Such pathological changes lead to disruption of its functioning. Previously, this disease was considered fatal, but now it is possible to prevent it - a special vaccine has been developed that can be administered to both adults and children.

Transmission path

In order not to become infected, it is necessary to know exactly how hepatitis A is transmitted. This disease is more often diagnosed in countries where there is an insufficient level of hygiene. Because of this, it is sometimes called “dirty hands disease.” The main route of transmission is fecal-oral. Viral hepatitis A is transmitted through food and water. The virus that provokes the development of pathology is not resistant to elevated temperatures, therefore it quickly dies when boiled and heat treatment products.

Viral hepatitis A is often diagnosed in children. This is due to the fact that their immune system is not yet fully developed. It is also worth noting that it is children who love to put unprocessed foods (berries, vegetables, etc.) into their mouths. Therefore, it is important to get vaccinated as a child to prevent possible infection. It is worth noting that most patients in early childhood they suffer the disease in an erased form, which is not typical. After recovery, a person develops immunity.

Risk group (people who must be vaccinated):

persons who frequently travel to countries where the incidence of viral hepatitis A is quite high;
residents Latin America, Asia, Africa;
people who are in close contact with a patient with Botkin's disease.

Mechanism of infection

The source of infection is a sick person. Viruses in environment get in with excrement (contaminate the soil). From there they end up on food and in water. When using them pathogenic microorganisms penetrate the body, where they begin to actively multiply. They then enter the bloodstream and are transported to the liver, where they infect hepatocytes.

As a result, these cells cease to perform their main functions and cause an autoimmune reaction. As a result, the body begins to attack its own cells. Inflammation develops in the organ, which causes the death of hepatocytes.

Symptoms

The first symptoms of hepatitis A in children and adults are very similar to the symptoms. Pathological process begins with the onset of fever, which lasts for 10 days. As Botkin's disease progresses, nausea and vomiting, weakness and painful sensations in the muscles.

As soon as the virus penetrates the liver and damage to hepatocytes begins, icteric lesions of the skin and sclera will appear. During this period, the patient's excrement becomes discolored, and the urine becomes dark color. These symptoms indicate that the body has begun autoimmune reactions. Also during this period, stabilization of the patient’s condition is observed, his temperature approaches normal values, the nausea stops. But indicated symptoms are replaced skin itching and the appearance pain syndrome in the abdominal area.

The incubation period of Botkin's disease ranges from two weeks to 50 days. During this period, the patient begins to show the first symptoms of the pathology:

weakness;
nausea;
temperature increase.

Often, when these symptoms appear, the patient does not consult a doctor, because he does not suspect that he is developing dangerous illness. Symptoms are similar to respiratory infections. But it is worth noting that if you diagnose the process just during incubation period, then the effectiveness of the treatment will be significantly higher.

After the incubation period, pre-icterus begins. Signs of intoxication syndrome are increasing, the temperature rises to 40 degrees. For of this period liver damage is typical. The pathogenic virus begins to multiply in hepatocytes, which leads to the development of inflammation and edema in the organ. Hepatomegaly and changes in the structure of the organ are noted. If you palpate the right hypochondrium, you will notice that the liver is enlarged and protrudes from under the rib by 2 cm.

Symptoms of the pre-icteric period:

darkening of urine;
discoloration of excrement;
jaundice of the skin increases (mild jaundice can be observed during the incubation period);
destruction of hepatocytes occurs, as a result of which liver enzymes are released;
the liver is painful on palpation.

The next stage in the progression of the pathology is the icteric period. Its duration is up to 6 weeks. Often after this there is a complete recovery. It is worth noting that the total duration viral hepatitis A is 3 months. Even during the recovery period, hepatomegaly is noted. If you do a blood test, it can reveal increased level liver enzymes.

The acute form of hepatitis A can become chronic. Medical statistics is that chronic course observed in 15% of the total number of patients. The prognosis of this form is favorable - the disease ends with complete recovery of the patient and the formation of lifelong immunity.

IN severe form Botkin's disease occurs in children under one year of age. Therefore, it is important to vaccinate them in a timely manner to protect them from possible infection. In infants, all symptoms are more pronounced. The disease is characterized by a rapid course. Severe dehydration develops. This symptom must be eliminated as soon as possible with intensive care(correction of water-electrolyte composition). If treatment for the pathology is not started in a timely manner, a coma may develop.

In adult patients, intoxication syndrome is pronounced. Characteristic symptom- prolonged jaundice. Doctors assess the condition of such patients as serious. Symptoms may persist for several months. Against the background of viral hepatitis A, other liver diseases may begin to progress. Clinical picture Botkin's disease will be supplemented by their symptoms.

Treatment

IN given time does not exist specific treatment Botkin's disease. The main goal of therapy is to eliminate the symptoms of the pathology, relieve intoxication syndrome, and normalize the functioning of the liver.

Drug treatment is based on the use of the following groups of drugs:

enterosorbents;
vitamin therapy;
hepatoprotectors;
immunomodulators;
enzyme preparations. They complement the main treatment plan for severe forms illness;
treatment with glucocorticoids is resorted to in case of sharp deterioration patient's condition;
introduction of detoxification sterile solutions;
choleretic.

Diet therapy plays a special role in the treatment of Botkin's disease. The patient is prescribed diet No. 5. With its help you can reduce the load on the liver. Food is taken in small portions and 6 times a day.