Hepatitis A in children - symptoms

Hepatitis A is one of the forms of infectious hepatitis, a disease that affects the liver. Infection is transmitted from a sick person through food, water and hands contaminated with fecal matter, therefore it is important to observe the basic rules of hygiene, first and foremost often wash hands with soap, eat well-processed food and drink clean water.

How is hepatitis A manifested?

The hepatitis A clinic includes 5 consecutive periods:

1. The incubation period lasts from 3 to 5 weeks. Once in the intestine through the mouth, entero-virus from the gastrointestinal tract is thrown into the liver, where it multiplies extensively.
2. The initial (pre-jaundiced) period is characterized by the appearance of the first signs of hepatitis A - fatigue, decreased appetite, a feeling of constant nausea, pain and in the abdomen.
3. Later, the main symptoms of hepatitis A in children are observed: yellow skin, itchy skin, yellowed eye sclera, colorless feces and dark urine. Characteristic signs of hepatitis A in children are manifested during the height of the disease. At this time, the liver is enlarged, and when pronounced, a marked pain is noted.
4. The period of decreasing jaundice is accompanied by an improvement in the patient's condition: the symptoms disappear, and the liver sizes are normal.
5. During the recovery period there are still some painful manifestations, including fatigue, abdominal pain. Complete recovery after the disease occurs in 2 - 3 months.

Diagnosis of hepatitis A

If hepatitis A is suspected, biochemical tests are performed, including hepatic assays and transaminases. Assignment and delivery of blood for analysis to identify antibodies to the virus. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the patient with this form of hepatitis goes to the infectious disease department or is isolated at home for treatment and prevention of infection of others.

Treatment of hepatitis A in children

Healing measures for viral hepatitis A in children include a full-fledged diet, taking cholagogue preparations, vitamin therapy and consumption of alkaline mineral water.

From the diet of the patient, fatty and acute foods are excluded, shows a plentiful drink. Dietary restrictions are recommended to be observed within 2 - 3 months from the onset of the disease. Drug treatment is done with berberine, flamin, etc. During the recovery period, medications are prescribed that contribute to the restoration of liver function: allochol, cholenzym, etc. On recovery, children are on dispensary records for 3 months. A child who has had hepatitis A, acquires lifelong immunity.

As a preventive measure, vaccination against hepatitis A is possible.