Overview
Hepatitis is a serious health condition that affects the liver and its ability to function properly. It is caused by a viral infection and can range from a mild, short-lived illness to a more severe, long-term disease. Children are not immune to hepatitis and can be affected by various types of hepatitis viruses.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hepatitis in children can vary depending on the type of hepatitis and the severity of the infection. However, common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stool
In some cases, children with hepatitis may not show any symptoms, or the symptoms may be mild and go unnoticed. However, it is still important to be vigilant and seek medical attention if your child experiences any of the above symptoms.
Causes
There are several types of hepatitis viruses, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. The most common causes of hepatitis in children are hepatitis A and B.
Hepatitis A is usually spread through contaminated food or water, while hepatitis B is spread through infected bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, and vaginal secretions.