Get Pediatric Knowledge About Acute Viral Hepatitis - Scielo - Scielo

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis.

Eating food made by an infected person who didn't wash their hands well after using the bathroom. Drinking water that is contaminated by infected feces. This is a problem in developing countries. Touching an infected person's feces or dirty diaper and then putting your hands near your mouth.

The hepatitis A virus is the most common cause of acute hepatitis, followed by the hepatitis B virus. (mono). Engaging in certain activities, such as getting a tattoo or body piercing, sharing needles to inject drugs, or having multiple sex partners, increases the risk of developing hepatitis.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and can result in liver cell damage and destruction. Hepatitis is a concern because it often originates from a virus and is communicable (can be spread from your child to others). In some cases, liver failure or death can occur.

Sometimes, people with hepatitis do not have any symptoms. But with these recent cases in children, symptoms have included vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, dehydration, and jaundice—a yellowing of the skin or eyes.

HAV infection in children is typically an acute, self-limited illness associated with nonspecific symptoms, such as fever, malaise, anorexia, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, and diarrhea. During the prodromal period, aminotransferases are typically elevated.

Leading causes of acute hepatitis in children are due to medications and infections. Chronic hepatitis occurs in children with underlying liver disease. Children may have signs of advanced liver disease such as cirrhosis, bleeding, fluid build-up and poor weight gain.