Viral hepatitis in children is considered from the diseases that arouse the worry of parents, because it may start with simple symptoms like loss of appetite or lethargy, then develops to affect the health of the liver and its vital functions. The liver is the organ responsible for purifying the blood from toxins, secreting bile juice, and regulating many vital processes.
And any dysfunction in it is reflected on the whole body. The infection may be viral primarily, but it sometimes is associated with environmental factors or unhealthy daily practices. Good understanding of the reasons helps the parents with prevention and early dealing with the symptoms, which reduces the chances of serious complications occurring in the child.
What is viral hepatitis in children?
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the liver as a result of its exposure to viruses or other factors that affect its cells. In children, it appears in two forms:
- Acute hepatitis: Lasts for a few weeks and the child often recovers after treatment and medical support.
- Chronic hepatitis: May last for months or years, and in some cases leads to liver cirrhosis if not followed up with a doctor.
- This distinction between the two types is important for determining the treatment plan.
What are the viruses causing hepatitis in children?
The viruses causing hepatitis are:
- Hepatitis A virus: Transmitted from contaminated food and water.
- Hepatitis B virus: It is the most dangerous of them, and is transmitted by blood or from the mother to the child.
- Hepatitis C virus: Transmitted via tools contaminated with blood.
- Some other viruses like EBV and CMV may cause similar inflammations.
How is viral hepatitis transmitted among children?
The disease is transmitted in multiple ways that make the infection fast-spreading, the most important of them are:
- Sharing personal tools like toothbrushes or combs.
- Eating contaminated food or drinking unclean water.
- Direct contact with an infected child via body fluids.
- During birth if the mother is infected with some types of viruses.
Are food and drink a direct cause?
Yes, food and drink are from the most important sources of infection:
- Contaminated water is the most common cause for transmitting Hepatitis A virus.
- Foods not well-cooked or that are prepared in an unhealthy environment may transmit the virus.
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables may be a means of transmitting the infection.
Transmission of hepatitis from mother to child
In some cases, the virus can be transmitted from the pregnant mother to her fetus or during birth. Hepatitis B and C viruses are considered the most dangerous in this aspect. And doctors usually advise conducting periodic checks for the mother during pregnancy, and giving vaccinations or preventive injections to the child after birth to reduce the chances of infection.
Signs that warrant worry for the parents
Signs of infection with the disease:
- · Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice).
- · Continuous vomiting or noticeable loss of appetite.
- · Repeated pain in the right side of the abdomen.
- · Unexplained lethargy and fatigue.
- · Swelling of the abdomen or change in the color of urine and stool.
How is prevention from hepatitis in children done?
Prevention is the most important key to reducing the spread of the disease:
- Adherence to vaccinations against Hepatitis A and B viruses.
- Maintaining the cleanliness of food and drink.
- Washing hands continuously and teaching children this habit.
- Avoiding sharing personal tools among children.
Article Summary
Viral hepatitis in children is from the diseases that need awareness and caution from the parents. Its most important causes are viral infections like A, B, and C, which may be transmitted via contaminated food and drink, shared tools, or from mother to child.
Prevention is represented in vaccinations, personal hygiene, and providing safe food and water. Discovering the disease early and appropriate medical intervention help in protecting the child from complications and preserving the health of the liver in the long term.