Understanding the causes of Viral Hepatitis infections & its preventive measures

Afra Afzal Sait | NT: Although the viral hepatitis infections are a self-limiting illness in most children, one cannot at the onset predict the severity of the disease in them.

However it is important to seek immediate medical attention if parents notice concentrated coloured urine, yellow discoloration of eyes and skin. In children the virus can cause inflammation of the liver and can even damage and destroy liver cells.

There are some infectious and non-infective causes of hepatitis in children. Infective causes are by far more common and it is caused by the hepatitis viruses which directly infect the liver causing generalised illness adenovirus.

Doctor says the symptoms of the illness are jaundice (yellow discoloration of eye and skin) causing liver dysfunction and preceding this there will be nonspecific symptoms like fever, vomiting, loss of appetite etc. Most children recover after a period of time.

It is very rare that hepatitis can be fulminant, aggressive and fast paced, causing liver failure which is a potentially life-threatening situation. The most common hepatitis affected by children is infective hepatitis caused by the viruses which is a public health concern.

The most common type of virus is Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E viruses that are transmitted fecoorally, from contaminated water and food. It is a concern where access to safe water is an issue and contaminated food.

Other forms of Hepatitis- Hepatitis B and C that are blood borne – one acquires this with unclean injections, it can be sexually transmitted and can be passed on from mother to the baby.

To diagnose this blood tests are done to diagnose liver dysfunction and to check which strain of virus may be responsible. Experts like Dr Rajath Athreya, Senior Consultant and HOD, Paediatrics & Neonatology, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, emphasis on creating public awareness of the Hepatitis A virus, its occurrence and prevention.

He says, “It is vital to ensure safe drinking water and avoid roadside food. Administering the vaccine to children above the age of 1 year is crucial and will protect children against the virus”.

According to the Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) network data (2017), 12 to 15 percent of children surveyed were exposed to Hepatitis A or E. “There were pockets of high occurrence identified”, adds Dr Athreya.

In most cases a child with hepatitis will be able to follow a normal healthy diet with some modifications. As a disclaimer medical experts advise not to consume herbal medicines which can further worsen liver dysfunction.