Hepatitis simply means inflammation of the liver, and that is not just limited to adult individuals. In an interaction with HT Lifestyle, paediatrician Dr Nakul Pathak shared that liver inflammation in children can have several causes.
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While the hepatitis viruses A to E are common causes, others such as Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus and adenovirus can also affect the liver. Autoimmune disease, certain inherited or metabolic conditions, medicines and toxins belong on the list as well.
How do children get hepatitis?
“In India, hepatitis A is identified as the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis, ahead of hepatitis E and hepatitis B,” noted Dr Pathak.
Hepatitis A and E usually spread through food or water contaminated with infected stool, making safe water, sanitation, careful food handling and handwashing central to prevention.
Hepatitis B spreads through infected blood and body fluids and can pass from mother to baby, while hepatitis C is mainly blood-borne and may also be transmitted around birth. Hepatitis D occurs only alongside hepatitis B.
“The relatively low hepatitis B prevalence reported among Indian children is encouraging and consistent with the benefit of routine vaccination, although immunisation coverage remains uneven and the birth dose and complete series remain essential,” stated the paediatrician.
Symptoms of hepatitis in children
Jaundice is a common symptom of declining liver function. However, parents should not wait for the stage to arrive, cautioned Dr Pathak.
“Some children have few or no symptoms; others begin with unusual tiredness, fever, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting or upper-abdominal discomfort,” he stated. “Yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, pale stools, itching or joint pain may follow.”
According to the paediatrician, jaundice, dark urine, or pale stools need prompt medical review. Other symptoms that require urgent medical assessment include severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, increasing jaundice, bleeding, unusual sleepiness, and behavioural change or confusion.
Importance of seeking medical help
When it comes to hepatitis, symptoms alone cannot reveal the cause or severity, pointed out Dr Pathak. Tests, as suggested by a medical practitioner, are needed for a complete evaluation.
“Parents should disclose every medicine or supplement the child has taken and never give extra paracetamol, because an overdose can seriously damage the liver,” he noted, adding, “Early assessment helps to distinguish an illness likely to settle with supportive care from a child whose liver is struggling and needs close monitoring.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Dr Nakul Pathak is a paediatrician with over 10 years of experience and expertise in managing critically ill infants, children, and adolescents requiring advanced intensive care support. He is associated with Surya Hospitals as a pediatric consultant in the Pediatric Intensive Care and Emergency department.