Health Information : Viral Hepatitis

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What is Viral Hepatitis in children?

Viral Hepatitis refers to the infection of the liver in which liver cells are inflamed / damaged.

What causes Hepatitis?

Viral Hepatitis is usually caused by 3 viruses, namely

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C

Other causes of Viral Hepatitis are Epstein Barr virus, Hepatitis D, Hepatitis E, Chickenpox and Cytomegalovirus.

What are the symptoms of Viral Hepatitis?

In initial stages of Viral Hepatitis, children may experience flu-like symptoms that include:

• Malaise
• Fever
• Muscular pain
• Pain in abdomen
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Jaundice

As the disease progresses, it starts affecting liver and produces symptoms, such as:

• Foul breath
• Bitter taste in mouth
• Dark coloured urine
• White, light or clay coloured stool

How can Viral Hepatitis be treated?

The treatment for Viral Hepatitis depends on your child’s age, health and severity of the symptoms. The doctor may recommend medications to treat Viral Hepatitis. If your kid has lack of appetite, then he should be given small, frequent meals with high calorie fluids. Healthy foods rich in proteins and carbohydrates will also help.

In case of persistent vomiting or oral acceptance is poor then the child has to be admitted in hospital.