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:Gastrointestinal symptoms: If a child who normally digests well suddenly experiences abnormal appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, or diarrhea, this indicates jaundice due to bile stasis in the liver's capillaries. It is one of the early symptoms of pediatric hepatitis that should not be ignored.
Nutritional disorders: After contracting hepatitis, children may develop 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 period before jaundice appears. General symptoms are prominent, such as 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 quickly, and the course of the disease is relatively short.
Neurological damage: Children with hepatitis may also experience neurological damage, such as low intelligence, reduced muscle tone, limb paralysis, or convulsions. Therefore, parents must pay close attention and seek medical treatment promptly.