We have heard repeatedly about hepatitis in adults, but what about hepatitis in children? Is it widespread? And what are its reasons? Here''s the article. Hepatitis is one of the diseases that can affect children, and it may be present for a long time without causing any symptoms. We will talk about hepatitis in children, its symptoms, and methods of transmission:

Hepatitis in children

Hepatitis occurs when liver cells become infected with a virus. Hepatitis can destroy and damage liver cells.

Hepatitis A is the most common type in children, but a child can be infected with any other type.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis in children?

Hepatitis may be silent without symptoms or cause symptoms. Symptoms begin as symptoms of a common cold and then intensify to include the following:

yellow urine

general fatigue.

Anorexia.

fever.

Nausea and vomiting.

Abdominal pain, especially near the liver.

Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, or what is known as jaundice.

Redness and itching of the skin.

Pain in the joints and muscles.

What are the causes of hepatitis in children?

There are a number of viruses that cause hepatitis in children, such as

Hepatitis viruses: There are 5 types, including: A, B, C, D, and E.

Cytomegalovirus: This virus is part of the herpes virus family.

Epstein-Barr virus: This virus causes mononucleosis.

Herpes simplex virus: Herpes can affect the face, waist area, and genitals.

Varicella zoster virus / chickenpox: Also called chickenpox, one of the complications of this virus is hepatitis, but it rarely occurs in children.

Enteroviruses: It is a group of viruses that appear in children, including Echoviruses and Coxsackieviruses.

Rubella virus: It usually causes a rash.

Adenovirus: It is a group of viruses that cause colds, tonsillitis, ear infections in children, and sometimes diarrhea.

Modes of transmission of viral hepatitis

The mode of transmission of hepatitis varies according to the cause

Hepatitis A virus is transmitted by eating food contaminated with fecal matter, traveling to countries where hepatitis A is common, or blood transfusions, but blood transfusions rarely cause hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through body fluids such as blood, and a person can transmit the disease to others before showing any symptoms.

How is hepatitis diagnosed in children?

The doctor examines the child first to notice any bloating or enlargement of the liver, and then requests some tests, such as:

1. A blood sample

A blood test is done for children to detect liver enzymes, liver functions, antibodies and polymerase chain reaction to find out the type of virus causing, and coagulation tests.

2. Diagnostic radiograph

CT scans of the abdomen may be done to see the internal organs clearly so the size and shape of the liver, ultrasound images, or MRI images may be done.

3. Biopsy of the liver

This is to clearly determine the type of inflammation and the cause, as a biopsy is the most accurate way to find out the cause of inflammation.

How is hepatitis treated?

The treatment of hepatitis in children is usually done by treating the symptoms associated with it, and here are some tips:

rest your child until symptoms subside Because he may feel tired and stressed.

Give the child healthy food and drink fluids.

Have blood tests, which can determine if the disease is progressing.

Admission to the hospital, this is done in severe cases.

Liver transplantation, this is done in case of end-stage liver failure.

What are the complications of hepatitis?

Hepatitis A usually does not cause any complications and goes away on its own, but for hepatitis B and hepatitis C, these are some of the complications:

Chronic inflammation of the liver, where the virus remains inside the body.

liver failure.

liver cancer

Death.

How is hepatitis prevented?

Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent hepatitis.

There are vaccines for hepatitis A and B viruses, but there are no vaccines for hepatitis C, D, and E viruses.