Our liver performs several critical functions that have an effect on our metabolism, aids bile production, filtration of toxins from your body, the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins etc. Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver; it is contagious and can transmit from the mother to her new-born baby. Babies who have hepatitis can develop serious complications as they grow older. Hepatitis is categorised by its diverse forms according to the virus type, which are A, B, C, D, and E, which can be seen amongst children.

Hepatitis A 

Is most common condition amongst babies and children

Symptoms:

  • Fever

  •  Nausea

  •  Vomiting

  •  Lack of appetite

  • Constant fatigue

  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Causes:

  •  It is caused due to the intake of contaminated fruits, vegetables, seafood, and other food sources.

  •  Eating food made by an individual who hasn’t washed his/her hands properly.

  • Drinking contaminated water.

Prevention:

Vaccination is recommended for children between 12-23 months of age, followed by a second shot at after every six months. The vaccine is also recommended for teenagers and young adults, who live in areas prone to the hepatitis A infection.

Hepatitis B

Symptoms:

Symptoms shown by children who are infected with hepatitis B, show after 3 to 4 months, they are as follows;

  • Joint pain

  • Pain in the stomach

  •  Nausea and vomiting

  •  Jaundice

  •  Rash

  •  Expulsion of dark urine

  • Fever

  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Causes:

  • New born whose mother is infected with hepatitis B

  • Coming in contact with or exposure to blood infected with hepatitis B.

Prevention:

Vaccinating toddlers and infants at the early stage is a sure way to prevent hepatitis B. Three doses are required a 0-1-6 month schedule, followed by a booster at five years

Hepatitis C

Symptoms:

  •  Pain in the joints and muscles

  • Fatigue

  • Persisting high fever

  • Yellowing of the eyes and skin

  • Dark urine

Causes:

  •  Amongst children, hepatitis C stems from mothers who have been infected with the virus, thus getting passed to their children during pregnancies.

  • Children affected with kidney failure, that are in need of dialysis.

  • Children who have blood clotting conditions such as hemophilia.

Hepatitis C is best prevented by eliminating exposure; avoid the intake of

contaminated food, water and avoiding contact with persons infected by the virus. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

Hepatitis D

Symptoms:

Hepatitis D symptoms are very similar to those of hepatitis B.

Causes:

Hepatitis D is not caused on its own and is imitative from hepatitis B infections.

Prevention:

Similar to hepatitis B

Hepatitis E

Symptoms:

The symptoms of hepatitis E are much related to those of other hepatitis-type infections. Some of the symptoms are nausea, vomiting and joint pain

Causes:

Hepatitis E is transferred from mothers to new born babies during pregnancies. Care should be taken to avoid coming into contact with hepatitis E in the first place

Prevention:

Proper hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits prevent hepatitis E. Hygiene habits such as washing hands properly, ensuring a fresh supply of water that is free from contamination, monitoring food sources and running quality checks before serving are ways of preventing contact with hepatitis E.

(This article has been contributed by Dr Vinay Dhir, HOD-Gastroenterology and Endoscopy SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim- A Fortis Associate Hospital)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 28, 2018 09:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).