Hepatitis

Introduction

Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver. It's commonly caused by a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis. These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol.

Includes Diseases: Hepatitis B; Hepatitis D

Hepatitis

Most cases of hepatitis or inflammation of the liver are due to viral agents (Hepatitis A, B, C . A and E virus)

Causes

Hepatitis A and E are due to infection by the oral route.  The other two are caused by infection due to an infected needle or blood and also  through sexual intercourse. The mother having Hepatitis B  can also pass it on  to her newborn through the placenta. Hepatitis B vaccine along with Hepatitis B immunoglobulin do prevent occurrence of Hepatitis B in newborns whose mothers are positive for Hepatitis B.Tattooing and ear piercing can also expose people to infection with the hepatitis  B virus.

Symptoms

The unusual onset is with  loss of appetite and vomiting. Fever may or may not be present. The child  then has a very yellow urine and yellow eyes. The jaundice deepens. The skin also becomes yellow. After about two weeks of onset, the appetite starts returning, the urine color becomes lighter and the child usually recovers after a total duration of about 3 weeks.

Your doctor may ask  for a urine examination and some blood tests specially to rule out hepatitis B.

Complications with hepatitis A and E are not common. But hepatitis B and C  can lead to liver failour or persistent infection and even carcinoma of liver.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis. The child is advised rest at home till the jaundice clears and the appetite returns to normal.

Some doctors place unnecessary dietary restrictions, but a child who is allowed to eat  what he likes recovers faster. Such a child is less likely to feel weak. If the child is not Hungary , encourage him to have  fruits and rice preparations. If he is vomiting, give him small feeds at more frequent intervals. Drugs for vomiting should be avoided. If vomiting is severe, intravenous fluids may be needed.

Sugarcane juice is not essential. In fact, I  have seen children giving new infections from this juice if it is brought from outside. If you are very keen about sugarcane, let the child chew on a piece of sugarcane.  Similarly, drinks enriched with glucose are not required.

In case of fever, try to avoid drugs. Even a relatively safe drug like paracetamol, can be harmful for liver. Sponging with warm water may be restored to. Any vitamin B complex preparation may be given for a month.

If the child has much itching, apply calamine lotion on the skin. Your doctor may also prescribe some oral medication.

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