Written By Are you worried about your child experiencing unexplained hepatitis? If so, you’re not alone. This mysterious and often frightening condition can be a nightmare for parents and healthcare providers alike. But the good news is that new research has shed light on a potential cause of this perplexing illness in children. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting discovery and what it could mean for the future of pediatric liver health.
What is Unexplained Hepatitis?
Unexplained hepatitis is a condition that affects the liver. It is not clear what causes it, but there are a number of potential causes. Some of these include:
-Hepatitis B and C viruses
-Environmental toxins
-Toxins from the body’s own cells
-Nephritis (inflammation of the liver)
-Genetic factors
Unexplained hepatitis can cause symptoms that vary depending on the type of virus or toxin involved. These can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dark urine. In some cases, unexplained hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis (a gradual damage to the liver) and death. Treatment depends on the specific cause of the infection.
What are the Symptoms of Unexplained Hepatitis?
The symptoms of unexplained hepatitis can vary, but they are all indicative of an infection that resides in the liver. In general, the most common symptoms of unexplained hepatitis are fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. Other symptoms may include jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, nausea or vomiting, and abdominal pain. In some cases, however, no specific symptoms will be evident.
Hepatitis C is the most common type of hepatitis and is thought to cause 60% to 80% of all cases of unexplained hepatitis. Other viruses that can cause hepatitis include: adenovirus (common cold), Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis), and rotavirus. However, only about 20% to 50% of people who have hepatitis C actually develop cirrhosis (scarring in the liver) as a result of the illness.
There is no cure for hepatic infection with any virus; however, treatment usually includes antibiotics to kill the virus and/or antiviral medications to prevent it from replicating in the liver cells. If left untreated, hepatitis can lead to liver failure or death.
What Causes Unexplained Hepatitis in Kids?
Unexplained hepatitis is a serious condition that can affect children and young adults. It’s caused by a virus, and it can lead to liver inflammation and even death. There are several potential causes of unexplained hepatitis in kids, but one of the more common ones is a virus called enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). EV-D68 is commonly found in the United States, and it’s been linked with cases of unexplained hepatitis in both children and adults.
EV-D68 is a type of virus that primarily attacks the liver. It can cause inflammation, cirrhosis (a condition where the liver becomes scarred), and even death. In kids, EV-D68 often causes acute (short-term) hepatitis. Acute hepatitis can range from mild to severe, and it can cause jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes), fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, EV-D68 infection may also lead to chronic (long-term) hepatitis – a condition in which liver damage persists even after the virus has been cleared from your body.
There are few things you can do to protect your child from EV-D68 infection. However, speaking with your pediatrician about any possible exposures to the virus – whether through school or daycare – is always important. Treatment for EV-D68 depends on the severity of your child’s symptoms at diagnosis – so don
New Research Reveals Potential Cause of Unexplained Hepatitis in Kids
A new study has found that a potential cause of unexplained hepatitis in kids is foodborne illness. The study is the first to identify a link between hepatitis A and foodborne illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC report says that during 2016, there were an estimated 183 cases of hepatitis A in children under 18 years old. Of these cases, 54% were caused by foodborne infections. This indicates that foodborne illnesses are a major cause of hepatitis A in children.
Foods that can increase your risk of getting hepatitis A include contaminated water, raw fruits and vegetables, and meats from animals who have been sick with the virus. You can reduce your risk of getting this virus by washing your hands often and avoiding foods that are likely to be contaminated.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Kids from Unexplained Hepatitis
There is a new potential cause of unexplained hepatitis in children and adolescents. According to a study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, kids who get inexplicable hepatitis may be at risk for acquiring HCV from close contacts with people who are infected with the virus.
The study followed 452 participants, ages 2 to 19 years old, who developed unexplained hepatitis during 2010-2013. Researchers used data from medical records, surveys, and interviews to identify close contact behaviors that might have led to HCV infection.
They found that 11 percent of participants had been in close contact with someone who had HCV at some point in their lives. The most common way people got HCV was through contact with blood or blood products (37 percent). Other ways include sexual contact (23 percent), sharing intravenous drugs or needles without proper safety measures (10 percent), and being exposed to infectious body fluids such as saliva or vomit (8 percent).
This research should help us better understand how HCV spreads and underscores the importance of protecting kids from this virus. It’s important for parents to talk with their children about the dangers of risky behavior and know what precautions they should take if they become infected with HCV.
