Question
What are the symptoms of pediatric hepatitis?
Answer
The symptoms of pediatric hepatitis may include gastrointestinal issues such as abnormal loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea. This may be due to bile stasis within the liver’s capillary bile ducts. Additionally, nutritional disorders may occur, leading to poor weight gain or loss, even progressing to malnutrition. Jaundice is also a symptom, usually occurring within the first three months after birth, accompanied by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Enlarged liver and spleen are also quite noticeable, with significantly elevated levels of transaminases. In acute hepatitis, onset is more acute, with a shorter pre-jaundice period, accompanied by fever, high temperature, abdominal pain, and muscle pain. The course is shorter, with jaundice subsiding more quickly. Furthermore, nervous system damage may also occur, such as intellectual impairment, decreased muscle tone, paralysis of limbs, and seizures. If these symptoms are found, medical treatment should be sought promptly.