What is hepatitis in children?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It can damage and destroy liver cells.

What causes hepatitis in a child?

Hepatitis in children can be caused by many things. Your child can get hepatitis by being exposed to a virus that causes it. These viruses can include:

• Hepatitis viruses. There are 5 main types of the hepatitis virus: A, B, C, D, and E.

• Cytomegalovirus. This virus is a part of the herpes virus family.

• Epstein-Barr virus. The virus causes mononucleosis.

• Herpes simplex virus. Herpes can affect the face, the skin above the waist, or the genitals.

• Varicella zoster virus (chickenpox). A complication of this virus is hepatitis. But this happens very rarely in children.

• Enteroviruses. This is a group of viruses often seen in children. They include coxsackieviruses and echoviruses.

• Rubella. This is a mild disease that causes a rash.

• Adenovirus. This is a group of viruses that causes colds, tonsillitis, and ear infections in children. They can also cause diarrhea.

• Parvovirus. This virus causes fifth disease. Symptoms include a slapped-cheek rash on the face.

Conditions can also cause hepatitis in children. These can include autoimmune liver disease. For this disease, your child’s immune system makes antibodies that attack the liver. This causes inflammation that leads to hepatitis. Medicines can also cause hepatitis. Any medicine that is broken down by the liver can lead to inflammation of the liver if taken for a long period of time or in large quantities.

Which children are at risk for hepatitis?

Children who are exposed to a virus that causes hepatitis are more likely to get hepatitis.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis in a child?

Symptoms can happen a bit differently in each child. Some children don’t have any symptoms.

Symptoms of sudden (acute) hepatitis may include:

• Flu-like symptoms

• Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice)

• Fever

• Nausea or vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Not feeling well and fatigue

• Stomach pain or discomfort

• Diarrhea

• Joint pain

• Sore muscles

• Itchy red hives on the skin

• Clay-colored stools

• Dark-colored urine

The symptoms of this condition may look like symptoms of other health problems. Make sure your child sees their healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is hepatitis diagnosed in a child?

Your child’s healthcare provider will check your child's health history. The provider will also give your child a physical exam. Your child will also need other tests.

How is hepatitis treated in a child?

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Your child’s treatment will depend on what’s causing their hepatitis. The goal of treatment is to stop damage to your child’s liver. It’s also to help ease symptoms. Your child’s treatment may include:

• Medicines. These can control itching, treat the virus, or control an autoimmune disease. 

• Supportive care. This includes eating a healthy diet and getting enough rest.

• Reducing risk. This includes not using alcohol or illegal drugs.

• Blood testing. This can tell if the disease is progressing.

• Hospital stay. This is done in severe cases.

• Liver transplant. This is done for end-stage liver failure.

• Helping to prevent the spread of viral hepatitis. This includes having good personal health (hygiene) habits, such as handwashing.

What are possible complications of hepatitis in a child?

The main complications of hepatitis include liver failure, liver cancer, or death. This is more likely with hepatitis B or C.

How can I help my child live with hepatitis?

Work with your child’s healthcare provider to create a care plan for your child. If your child has chronic hepatitis, they will need to get plenty of rest, eat a healthy diet, and take medicines as prescribed.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

Call your child’s healthcare provider if your child has symptoms of hepatitis, such as jaundice. You should also call if your child is exposed to viruses that can cause the disease.

Key points about hepatitis in children

• Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It can damage and destroy liver cells.

• Hepatitis in children can be caused by many things. Your child can get hepatitis by being exposed to a virus that causes it.

• There are 5 main types of the hepatitis virus: A, B, C, D, and E.

• The most common symptoms of hepatitis include a yellowish color to the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice) and flu-like symptoms.

• Some children don't have any symptoms.

• Getting vaccinated and having good hygiene can prevent hepatitis.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.

• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.

• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.

• Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.

• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

• Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

• If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

• Know how you can contact your child’s healthcare provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.