Patient's question:
I recently noticed that my child doesn't like to eat anything anymore, and their weight has dropped noticeably. Their skin is also a bit yellow. I went to the hospital for a check-up, and the result was hepatitis. What are the symptoms of hepatitis in children?Doctor's answer:
Hello, the symptoms of hepatitis in children include:Digestive symptoms: If a child who usually has normal digestion suddenly experiences abnormal appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, or diarrhea, this indicates a buildup of bile in the liver's capillaries. It is one of the early symptoms of hepatitis in children that should not be ignored.
Nutritional disorders: After contracting hepatitis, children may experience nutritional disorders. The most obvious signs include poor weight gain or inadequate weight increase; in severe cases, malnutrition may occur, making the child appear shorter and thinner than their peers.
Jaundice: Children with hepatitis often develop jaundice. This is frequently the first symptom of infantile hepatitis and typically occurs within three months. Especially in cases of acute hepatitis, the onset is usually rapid, with a short prodromal phase before jaundice appears. General symptoms are prominent, often including fever, high body temperature, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The liver and spleen may become significantly enlarged, and transaminase levels can rise markedly. Jaundice subsides relatively quickly, and the course of the disease is short.
Neurological damage: Children with hepatitis may also experience neurological damage. Symptoms may include intellectual disability, reduced muscle tone, limb paralysis, and convulsions. Therefore, parents must pay close attention and seek medical treatment promptly.