World Hepatitis Day 2019: Learn The Different Symptoms Of Hepatitis In Children With This Guide

Hepatitis is basically the inflammation of the liver cells and damaged liver. It happens due to a viral infection where the liver is either infected primarily by Hepatitis or it is due to multi-organ infection. These viruses are common in the world which causes hepatitis but other infections and toxic substances can also lead to hepatitis. This World Hepatitis Day, Dr. Shreya Dubey, Pediatrician at CK Birla Hospital for Women, has shared with HerZindagi the symptoms of Hepatitis in kids and the different types of Hepatitis that exist.

The liver conducts all important functions like detoxifying the blood, absorbing vitamins and producing hormones. Hepatitis can break up these processes and create terrible health problems for the body.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis in a child?

Symptoms can happen a bit differently in each child. Some children don’t have any symptoms. Symptoms of sudden (acute) hepatitis may include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• When you feel the child or you are experiencing a loss of appetite
• Your skin or the white in your eyes is turning yellow.
• Fever for a long time.
• You are experiencing stomach pain or discomfort
• Diarrhea
• A lot of joint pain
• You have sore muscles
• You spot itchy red hives on the skin
• Your stools are clay-coloured
• The urine you pass is dark-coloured

If a child is diagnosed with Hepatitis, the treatment as prescribed by the doctor should be properly followed.

Types of Hepatitis

To help you understand better we have below various hepatitis known to us.

Hepatitis A

HAV is the most common type of hepatitis in children. It is usually transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food. Certain sex practices can also spread HAV. Safe vaccines are available to prevent HAV.

Hepatitis B

HBV in most children the virus multiplies slowly and persists in the body, causing slow but progressive liver damage. This state is known as the chronic carrier state; his or her liver and blood have no signs of disease. A chronic carrier can still pass the disease on to others, even if they have no symptoms.

Most children who acquire the infection at birth or soon after becoming chronic carriers. The virus is commonly commuted through exposure to infected semen, infected blood, and other body fluids. This virus can also be passed on from an infected mother to infants at the time of birth. It is important to receive hepatitis B vaccinations.

Hepatitis C

Most children get it when they are newborns. If your child wasn't born with hepatitis C but got the illness in the later years, it is likely transmitted through direct contact of infected blood, septic injections during medical procedures or through injection of an illicit drug. There is no vaccine for HCV at present. Hepatitis C usually goes away without treatment and appropriate diet.

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Hepatitis D

HDV happens only when you are infected with HBV. If a mother is infected with hepatitis D then it can pass on to her newborn. If your child happens to have both then it is very much lethal. The good thing is that HDV can be prevented by ensuring that your child receives hepatitis B vaccine.

Hepatitis E

HEV is vertical transmission from a pregnant woman to her baby in many cases. It can be transmitted through the intake of contaminated water or food as well. Therefore it is important to always wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or before preparing and eating food. There is no vaccine to prevent transmission.