Hepatitis in children


Hepatitis in children refers to the inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis could be caused by infections, metabolic disorders or autoimmune diseases. A, B, and C are the most common forms of viral hepatitis. Children experience various symptoms such as fever, nausea and abdominal pain. Blood tests are the best way to diagnose hepatitis. However by vaccination and practising good hygiene hepatitis can be prevented in children.

What are the types of Hepatitis?


  1. Hepatitis A
    The primary cause is taking in contaminated food or water.
    Can be prevented by vaccines.
    Hepatitis A is in its milder form in children and can be resolved with proper supportive care.
  2. Hepatitis B
    Blood or bodily fluids spread hepatitis B
    Child might get during the process of childbirth.
    Infants are affected by chronic hepatitis B
    Can be prevented by vaccines.
  3. Hepatitis C
    Blood is the main transmitting agent
    Causes chronic liver disease and is asymptomatic
    Vaccines are not available.
    Can be treated by antiviral medications.

For expert pediatric care and treatment for Hepatitis, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the symptoms of hepatitis in children?


Hepatitis could be due to autoimmune conditions, or drug/toxin exposure. The age of the child, the type of hepatitis and the severity, often determine the symptoms. Below are a broader symptoms seen in children with hepatitis:-

Common symptoms across all hepatitis:

  • Fatigue or significant tiredness
  • No appetite and refusal to eat
  • Feeling nauseated and vomiting
  • Fever varying from mild to high
  • Upper right side abdominal pain
  • Changes in urine colour to dark yellow.
  • Stool colour changes to pale or clay colour
  • Joint pain common in hepatitis B
  • Jaundice fever which is noticeable due to the yellowing of the skin and eyes
  • Itchy and rashy skin
  • Liver enlargement which the doctor can feel during physical examination

Symptoms in advanced and chronic hepatitis

  • Abdominal and legs are swollen
  • The child appears confused and their behaviour also changes due to the worsening of the liver function
  • The child bleeds or bruises easily even from a small injury.
  • Hindered growth and development of the child.

Important points to note:

  • Hepatitis A results in a short term acute illness.
  • Hepatitis B and C last longer and have chronic effects in infants and young children
  • Another important factor is that sometimes no signs are shown at all for hepatitis unless the liver has been significantly damaged.

Every parent or the caregiver should know that if the child has been exposed to hepatitis please take the child to a doctor immediately. They will do blood tests since an early diagnosis makes a significant difference in the treatment and recovery.

For expert pediatric care and treatment for Hepatitis, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

When is an immediate medical care needed in case of hepatitis?


A child should be taken to a doctor immediately in the presence of the following symptoms or of the child was in contact with hepatitis patients or their blood:-
Emergency medical care is needed for the following symptoms:-
  • Jaundice develops suddenly and the skin and eyes are rapidly turning yellow.
  • If the child is passing dark colour urine and clay-colored stools
  • If the child is developing severe upper right abdominal pain.
  • If the child is continuously vomiting including fluids.
  • The child is drowsy, tired all the time
  • If the child’s behaviour is changing.
  • If the child exhibits behaviour of confusion
  • Bleeding or bruising even for small injuries.
  • Swollen abdomen or legs
  • High fevers which happen for untreated hepatitis A

For expert pediatric care and treatment for Hepatitis, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

How is Hepatitis diagnosed in children?


Hepatitis in children is diagnosed by understanding the medical history of the symptoms, conducting a physical examination on the child, and lab tests. The diagnosis flows as follow:-

1. Medical History


The doctor will enquire about:
  • The symptoms and from when they are showing up along with their history.
  • If the child came in contact with a person with hepatitis or was exposed to it in any other form.
  • Places of travel especially to areas known to have more cases of hepatitis,
  • Colour of urine and stools.
  • If the child was given any medication or not.
  • Liver issues to the child or to any of the family members.
  • If the child was given the hepatitis vaccine or not.

2. Physical Examination


The doctor will physically examine the child for the following:-
  • Jaundice i.e. yellowing of skin and eyes
  • If the liver or spleen have been enlarged by feeling the abdomen
  • Complaints of abdominal pain
  • Change in skin colour.

3. Blood Tests


Blood tests are widely done to confirm hepatitis and also to identify the underlying cause. The most common blood tests are:
Liver Function Tests
  • A Bilirubin test is done to see if the child has jaundice.
  • Albumin and prothrombin time (PT/INR) are done to assess the liver’s protein producing ability.

Viral Hepatitis Panel tests are done to identify the type of hepatitis:-
  • Hepatitis A antibody (IgM) tests any recent HAV infection
  • Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and core antibody (HBcAb) for HBV identification
  • Hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) and HCV RNA test for HCV identification

For expert pediatric care and treatment for Hepatitis, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the treatments for Hepatitis in children?


Each type of hepatitis has a different treatment modality. Since each of them have varying degrees of duration and severity. Here is an understanding of the different treatment methods for various hepatitis:-

Hepatitis A (HAV) Treatment:

  • With at home care the body can get rid of the virus by itself. The child needs rest, hydration, and a healthy diet
  • Very rarely hospitalization is done only only in cases of severe dehydration or aggravated complications

Hepatitis B (HBV) treatment:

  • No specific treatments
  • At home care just as for Hepatitis A
  • The child’s liver function should be monitored.

If the symptoms worsen the antiviral therapy is given such as:-
  • Medications
  • Regularly getting LFT’s done

Hepatitis C (HCV) treatment

  • Direct-acting antivirals medication is given
  • Regular viral load and liver function testing

Autoimmune Hepatitis:

  • Steroids such as prednisone and immunosuppressants are prescribed

Drug-induced or Toxic Hepatitis:

  • Treatment involves discontinuing the offending agent. Along with supportive care liver transplant may be done in severe cases

For expert pediatric care and treatment for Hepatitis, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

About Isha Specialty Clinics, Hyderabad


Isha Specialty Clinic is the best Hospital in Manikonda for your heart care and child care. For all your pediatric and newborn care we are a one stop solution. Our expert team of doctors and state of the art labs offer you comprehensive pediatric services. When you visit us you will experience the best paediatric care, children nutrition advice and best cardiologist treatment in Hyderabad. Isha Specialty clinics is located at convenient location in Hyderabad Manikonda in the nearby Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, Narsingi, Alkapur township.

Our expert team of doctors


Dr. Swathy Talishetty – MBBS (Osmania), MD (Niloufer) – Child and Newborn Specialist (Paediatric Doctor)


Dr. Swathy Talishetty is a top rated child care specialist. Dr.Swathy is an alumnus of Osmania Medical College where she completed her MBBS in 2007 and later on pursued her MD in Pediatrics from Niloufer Hospital in 2012. Dr Talishetty Swathi has specialized in:-
  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management.
  • Childhood overweight management.

Dr. Swathy Talishetty’s compassionate approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of pediatric nutrition, enables her to offer comprehensive care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs of children, ensuring their healthy growth and development. Get children treatment and pediatric nutrition consultation with Dr. Swathy Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli and Narsingi areas in Hyderabad.

Dr. Nithin Annarapu – MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology


Dr. Nithin Annarapu has more than a decade of heart care experience. 18 Years Experience Overall (12 years as heart specialist). Dr. Nithin Annarapu Annarapu is an Interventional Cardiologist in Manikonda Hyderabad and has an experience of 18 years in heart treatment, surgeries and cardiac procedures. He has saved many lives with his excellent treatments for palpitations which are heart related. Dr. Nithin Annarapu is practicing at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, near Gachibowli in Hyderabad. He completed MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College & Research in 2002, MD – General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 2006 and DM – Cardiology from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2010.

Major Treatments at Isha Speciality Clinics


Pediatric Care

  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Heart treatment

  • Mitral valve replacement surgery
  • Heart valve replacement and repair
  • Coronary Angioplasty
  • Coronary Angiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Angioplasty

Pain treatment

  • Thoracic epidural injections
  • Cervical epidural injections
  • Intraarticular joint injections
  • Nerve Block
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
  • Lumbar Epidural Injections

For expert pediatric care and treatment for Hepatitis, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

For emergency care or appointments, contact Dr. Swathi Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinic, Manikonda – Hyderabad at 96760 7020. Book an appointment today for expert pediatric care.

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