Hepatitis is a general term used to describe inflammation of the liver.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hepatitis#:~:text=Hepatitis%20is%20a%20general%20term,the%20liver%2C%20called%20autoimmune%20hepatitis.
2. Overview
Hepatitis is a general term used to describe
inflammation of the liver
Liver inflammation can be caused by several viruses ,
chemicals, drugs, alcohol, certain genetic disorders or by
an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks the
liver, called autoimmune hepatitis
Depending on its course, hepatitis can be acute, which
flares up suddenly and then goes away, or chronic, which
is a long-term condition usually producing more subtle
symptoms and progressive liver damage
5. Diagnosis
Physical exam, which may or may not reveal a swollen, enlarged liver
Blood tests to check liver enzymes that are elevated when the liver is damaged or infected,as
well as blood tests to check for the presence of any of the five viruses causing hepatitis
Ultrasoundof the liver to detect any changes
Liver biopsy to confirm suspected inflammation when other tests are inconclusiveand to
determine the exact degree of liver damage
6. Treatment
To prevent infection, children — or anyone who has not been previously
vaccinated — should be vaccinated against hepatitis B and hepatitis A
Treatment focuses on preventing further damage to the liver, reversing
existing damage if possible and symptom relief
In autoimmune hepatitis, certain medications may be used to help keep
the overactive immune system in check and prevent further attacks on
the liver
7. When to Call for Help?
• If your child develops symptoms suggestive of liver
inflammation,as listed above, call your pediatrician
