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Hepatitis in Children
Hepatitis is basically the inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis strikes adults more commonly than babies and children. There are various types of the disease namely - Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. While it, usually, is caused by a virus, Hepatitis may originate from other sources too. Read on for all you need to know about this ailment.
What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a viral disease, contagious in nature, and can spread from the mother to the new-born baby. From liver damage and liver cirrhosis to even death, hepatitis can go undetected and later develop serious complications as adults. Kids affected with hepatitis usually contract it from certain medications, inherited disorders, or by exposure to contagious substances.
How Common Is Hepatitis In Babies & Kids?
Hepatitis A is most common in babies and children. It comes from contaminated sea food, which is why it is important to procure sea food from sanitary sources. Faeces may also carry the virus which is why it is important to establish good hygiene and healthcare routines in babies and kids to avoid contracting this disease.
Which Kids Are At The Risk Of Getting Hepatitis?
The following kids are at risk of getting hepatitis if care is not exercised:
Children of mothers who are infected with Hepatitis
Children with autoimmune disease which lead to antibodies being produced inside their bodies and attacking their liver, thus leading to liver inflammation and hepatitis
Children who are exposed to the faeces of someone infected with hepatitis; eating food made by an individual who hasn't washed his/her hands properly
Children living in parts of the world heavily infected with hepatitis such as Southeast Asia and China
Kids who undergo blood transfusions or ingest blood products
Children who have a blood clotting condition such as haemophilia
Children living in unsanitary day-care centres who end up wearing or being exposed to dirty diapers and unchanged clothing
Children affected with kidney failure who are in need of dialysis
Kids who are disabled
Kids who use illegal drugs
Kids who drink water contaminated by faeces
Teenagers who undergo unprotected sex and include the use of IV drugs (intravenous)
Different Types Of Hepatitis
Hepatitis is characterised by its different forms according to virus type. The different types of viruses include A, B, C, D, and E.
Hepatitis A in Children
Symptoms
Hepatitis A in children is denoted by the following symptoms:
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Lack of appetite
Constant fatigue
Yellowing of the skin and eyes
Causes
Hepatitis A in children is contracted from:
Contaminated fruits, vegetables, sea food, and other food sources
Eating food made by someone who hasn't washed his/her hands
A mother who is already infected with hepatitis A
How Does It Spread?
Hepatitis A spreads in children by:
Touching an infected source or substance affected by hepatitis A such as faeces or dirty diapers
Drinking contaminated water
Contact with a person infected with hepatitis A
Risks
Hepatitis A can persist for months if left untreated. Risks involved include a loss of appetite, pain in the stomach, and tiredness and fatigue. The only risks or side effects involved in getting a Hepatitis A vaccine shot are a sore arm from the shot and tiredness, which usually lasts between one to two days.
Diagnosis
The disease is diagnosed by blood tests like the HAV IgM antibody test which is used for detecting early stages of the infection. This diagnosis is carried out to test for recent infections in people with acute hepatitis as well. The HAV IgG test is a sequential diagnosis test conducted in conjunction with the HAV IgM antibody test. The HAV IgG test looks for antibodies that develop during the later stages of this disease.
Tests related to bilirubin, liver panel, ALT, and AST are also performed along with viral hepatitis tests for detailed diagnostics of prevalent Hepatitis A in kids and children.
Treatment
There are no specific therapies available for the complete treatment of the disease. Treatment is supportive in nature and the ailment is a short-term condition that fades away on its own in few weeks to months.
Prevention
To prevent or limit outbreaks of Hepatitis A in communities, it is recommended to administer the Hepatitis A vaccine to children between 12-23 months of age followed by a second shot around 6-18 months afterward. The vaccine is also recommended for teenagers and young adults, including people who live in areas prone to the Hepatitis A infection.
Hepatitis B In Children
Symptoms
Infected children show the following symptoms, which appear after 3 to 4 months of being infected with the virus:
Joint pain, muscle aches, and pain in the stomach
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Jaundice
Rash
Lack of energy
Fatigue
Expulsion of dark urine
Fever
Yellowing of the skin and eyes
Causes
Hepatitis B is caused in children by the following:
New borns whose mothers had unprotected sex with their partners during pregnancy
Exposure to blood infected with Hepatitis B
Coming in contact with people affected by Hepatitis B
Sharing drugs, needles, or other household objects with someone who is infected with Hepatitis B
How Does It Spread?
Hepatitis B is contagious and can spread from one child to another through body fluids or fluids containing trace amounts of blood from the infected person. Children get infected with the virus through:
Their mothers who are already Hepatitis B-infected and carriers of the disease
Bites from an infected person
Touching open wounds of an infected person
Consuming food that is made or half-eaten by an infected person
Sharing toothbrushes and other personal items with an infected person
Risks
Not treating Hepatitis B can lead to serious and life-threatening implications in children over a prolonged period of time, and may even be fatal. Persisting conditions of Hepatitis B lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer as well. Risks associated with the vaccination treatment of Hepatitis B include mild soreness in the arm and short-term fever which lasts between two or three days.
Diagnosis
Hepatitis B is primarily detected through routine tests and standard blood diagnostics which look for the presence of the antibodies and antigens associated with the virus. Liver enzyme tests and liver biopsy is conducted for people who are afflicted by acute Hepatitis B.
Treatment
Routine vaccination of children during their young ages is an effective treatment and precaution against Hepatitis B. Children who travel to areas of the world affected by Hepatitis B must be immunized with a Hepatitis B vaccination.
Prevention
Vaccinating toddlers and infants early on is a sure fire way to prevent Hepatitis B. Infants must be vaccinated in the early stages right after birth to eliminate the chances of a Hepatitis B occurrence in the future.
Hepatitis C in Children
Symptoms
The common Hepatitis C symptoms in children are:
Pain in the joints and muscles
Fatigue
Persisting high fever
Yellowing of the eyes and skin
Dark urine
Causes
In children, Hepatitis C stems from mothers who have been infected with the virus, thus being passed down to kids during pregnancies. Children who have blood clotting conditions such as haemophilia and are in need of dialysis due to kidney function failure are prone to the effects of Hepatitis C.
How Does It Spread?
If a mother is afflicted with Hepatitis C during pregnancy, the virus is spread from the mother to the new born baby. The infection is contagious in nature and is passed from one person to another through body fluids or sharing objects as well.
Risks
Chronic Hepatitis C, when left untreated, can lead to liver cirrhosis and even death. Impaired cognitive development may be caused due to a condition called hepatic encephalopathy where toxins build up in the brain due to liver impairment.
Diagnosis
Your doctor may perform ultrasound scans of your child to examine the liver region of your baby. Routine blood testing for liver enzymes, liver function, blood cell counts, and coagulation tests are performed for diagnosing Hepatitis C in children.
Treatment
For children who are in the early stages of Hepatitis C, treatment with standard doses of Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen can be administered. Routine blood tests along with antiviral medications serve as the primary modes of treatment for Hepatitis C infections in children.
Prevention
Just like its other viral counterparts, Hepatitis C is best prevented by eliminating exposure to sources contaminated by the infection. From not ingesting contaminated foods to water, and avoiding contact with persons infected by the virus, children can best avoid the ill effects of this disease.
Hepatitis D in Children
Symptoms
Hepatitis D symptoms are very similar to those of Hepatitis B. These are the following symptoms:
Joint pain
Lack of appetite
Chronic fatigue
Darker shades of urine
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Causes
Hepatitis D is not caused on its own and derived from Hepatitis B infections.
How Does It Spread?
It is passed down through exchange of bodily fluids or through contact with a person who is already infected with Hepatitis D. Exposure to Hepatitis D infected mucous spreads the infection to others as well.
Risks
There is no specific treatment available for Hepatitis D infections and the only way to avoid contracting it is by administering your child with vaccinations after birth.
Diagnosis
Hepatitis D is diagnosed through blood tests which are used for detecting antibodies for Hepatitis D. A liver function test is carried out alongside blood tests to check for signs of the disease.
Treatment
Hepatitis D does not have specific vaccinations for treatment. It can be eliminated by preventing Hepatitis B from occurring through prior vaccination.
Prevention
Avoid engaging in unprotected sex or exposing your child to bodily fluids infected with Hepatitis B infections to prevent the chances of a Hepatitis D complication.
Hepatitis E In Children
Symptoms
The symptoms of Hepatitis E are very similar to those of other Hepatitis-type infections. The following are the well-known symptoms of Hepatitis E in children:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Low-grade fever
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Fatigue
Joint pain and muscle aches
Causes
In industrialised areas, Hepatitis E is contracted from uncooked contaminated meat. Hepatitis E is contracted from mothers to new born babies during pregnancies, so, extra care must be exercised to avoid coming into contact with Hepatitis E in the first place.
How Does It Spread?
Not washing hands properly before and after serving food, coming into contact with stool or faeces infected with Hepatitis E are the primary ways the infection is spread.
Risks
There are no long-term implications of Hepatitis E besides liver failure which will require intensive hospitalization and treatment care. Hepatitis E infections last short-term periods ranging between four to six weeks usually.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is carried out by doctors for Hepatitis E through a series of blood tests which search for specific antibodies present in the blood.
Treatment
There is no vaccine or treatment method available for curing this disease.
Prevention
Establishing proper hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits prevent Hepatitis E. Hygiene habits such as washing hands properly, ensuring a fresh supply of water that is free from contamination and monitoring food sources and running quality checks before serving are surefire ways of preventing contact with Hepatitis E.
Although Hepatitis results in liver failure and damage in children, it is avoidable when care and adequate steps are taken towards its prevention. Prevent the disease today by ensuring your child eats right and gets vaccinated on time!
Also read: Chikungunya Virus Infection During Pregnancy Read more
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Babies Born With a Heart Defect- Management and Follow-Up
"Gauri has got a temperature." concerned Seema told Raj. Within no time, the couple was at the paediatrician's clinic holding their two-month-old baby. History was of fever since one day, fluctuating around 100 degrees. There were no more symptoms and the baby was able to feed properly despite the fever. While the doctor was examining her, he heard something which was not normal. "Murmur it's called in medical terms. Your baby is probably born with a heart defect", he said. Upon hearing these words their world went upside down. Tears started in Seema's eyes. "Is there any hope?" she impatiently asked. "Well, the murmur could be insignificant and the defect could heal on its own by four months. Come after one month and till then, there's no need to worry but keep a close watch on her", the doctor explained. All shattered from inside, they left for home.
Gauri was now three months old, feeding properly and an overall healthy baby. It was her second visit to the doctor. She was gaining weight and was active. This time, on examination, the murmur was feeble, yet persistent. So, the couple was advised to go for her heart Echo. They were explained that if the defect persisted, there would be no other way to treat it but surgery.
After two weeks they got an appointment for the Echo which was carried out at a nearby centre. The report was awaited. These new parents were praying for their child's good health. When the reports came, "No heart defect detected" was the impression. It was a moment of great joy for them. They rushed to the doctor and he told them that it was a heart defect which healed on its own. Lucky parents they were.
One in hundred babies is born with a heart defect. Some heal with time while others remain persistent depending upon the severity. So keep a close watch on whether your baby is feeding properly or not, and gaining weight or not.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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Contribution – ”Books Can Cook” – God Has Chosen Me To Help Break This Stereotype
Cooking is a life skill that is not gender-specific. Why is it that a
capable man expects the women in his life to feed him? Can’t he cook to save
his life? If the man lost his manliness if he cooked for his loved ones? No,
right? Then why not? Why not start when they are young?
So here I m breaking the stereotype that says, ”Boys should not cook”
and ”boys can’t cook.” This stereotype is unique because it is practiced by
the same gender, which is being stereotyped. So, I am so proud of myself and
thankful to God that he chose me to bring the change atleast in my home as a
mother whose son is a born chef, maybe.
I always used to say if I have a son, the first thing I will teach him is
cooking, and I will make him learn the importance of it, if not for someone
else but himself first; because I have seen many boys who stay in the
hostels/abroad for their studies and could not make a single meal for them and
is entirely dependent either on outside food or tiffin services.
About My Master Chef – Hitarth
Thankfully or I will say, ”God accepted my prayers;” when my son
completed his first year, he started showing interest in cooking and kitchen
stuff. At first, I thought he was like any other kid who loves to play with
utensils, but I was wrong and was glad at the same time that he is a different
kid.
You, my readers, may not believe it, but at the age of 1 year and 3
months, Hitarth (my son) knew all the tea ingredients. He used to put the
ingredients in the teapot himself, as we only used to measure and give him the
authority in helping us prepare a tea.
He was always interested in preparing meals (vegetables or dals) and
used to stir them beautifully. We got many scolding from our parents that we
let him enter the kitchen and play near the stove, but believe me, we were
extremely cautious every time he was in the kitchen. We never let him touch the
stove nobs. Now he is 2 years and 8 months, he still is not allowed to touch
them. And, he knows his limits.
As soon as he completed his second year, he started helping me do the
dishes too, and you can imagine my ”ME TIME” now. I frankly don’t have any
because you will always find Hitarth in the kitchen along with me. And now, he
knows which pan I use to prepare what kind of meals and what meals we make at
what time of the day.
What Our Families Say?
I get instructions from the family that we should stop him as he should
be an officer one day, and boys don’t look good in the kitchen. I never say
anything to them in return because I know there is much generational
difference, and they won’t understand. But, my question is, ”Cant an officer
be a good cook too?”
Even if he doesn’t choose to be a professional chef one day, he should
definitely cook for himself and his loved ones. He should atleast know cooking
as being in the kitchen is equally important to other works that we do.
Since you are a parent yourself, you may read many blogs that say,
‘involve kids in cooking.’ Do these blogs mention only girls? No, right? Then
why dont we start involving boys too?
Top-level chefs such as Ranveer Brar, Sanjyot Keer, Sanjeev Kapoor,
Vikas Khanna, and many other male chefs have taken over all food channels in
recent years. But, even after all of this, why does the misogynistic attitude
still persist that only women should be able to cook?
Today 90% of men or maybe 80% (that too educated one) in relationships
want their partners to cook, and some of those want their wives to serve them.
Even when a man does something as simple as taking water himself, he is
praised, and people start saying to the girl, that you are lucky that your man
helps you by taking water for himself from the kitchen, wow!
What I Do To Keep Him
Involved?
When I prepare the meals, I always call Hitarth to involve him in
everything I do, including washing clothes, doing dishes, and other household
chores, even if he is busy playing or doing something else. This way, he will
know how challenging these simple-looking chores can sometimes be. And in the
future, he doesn’t have a mindset that cooking is the easiest task and
homemakers do nothing apart from cooking.
How It Will End?
Who will stop it, and when is it going to end? The answer is that women
must end it themselves, with the help of men who must begin to be compassionate
and adjust their attitudes about their culture and traditions. If men keep
helping their wives in the absence of their parents but not while they are
present, it will not change. Here, I am not saying to start arguing with the
parents, atleast try to make them understand the importance of learning to cook
for the boys.
We are also trying to change the mindset of our parents, and we will
keep trying till we get success because this is not a change; this is a ”GOOD
CHANGE,” because cooking is not meant for a particular gender and should be
equally distributed. So, are you guys agree with me? If not, I would like to
hear you out!
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Gingerbread Cookies
The smell of these satisfying, sophisticated cookies is almost like a stress reliever. The aroma will keep your kids lingering around the kitchen as you prepare these cookies. And as soon as they are out of the oven, they would disappear in a flash. The recipe is so simple that you can include your kids in preparing these cookies. Roll out the dough and hand them the cutters. You’ll be surprised how your little helpers would cut-out the perfect gingerbread cookies in the world.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
2 People
15-20 Minutes
10-15 Minutes
Ingredients
350 g all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoon ginger, ground
1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
120 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
130 g granulated sugar
1/2 cup molasses/maple syrup
1 large egg
100 g powdered sugar
Method
Step 1
Keep the oven for pre-heating to 350° F. Take a bowl and add flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, cloves and salt. Mix it properly.
Step 2
In another bowl, take butter and granulated sugar, whisk until it becomes smooth. At this stage add the molasses or the apple syrup and egg. Beat until the mixture becomes fluffy.
Step 3
In this gradually add the flour mixture and mix only until the ingredients become just wet.
Step 4
Shape this dough into a mix and gradually and wrap it in a plastic wrap.
Step 5
Refrigerate until it becomes firm. At least 30 minutes is what is desired.
Step 6
Flour a flat surface, and roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into various shapes.
Step 7
Place the cookies on greased or parchment-lined baking sheets.
Step 8
Bake for around 10-12 mins. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9
Make a thick paste of powdered sugar and water. Transfer it to a resealable bag and cut out a small hole.
Step 10
With the help of this, decorate the cookies as desired and let the icing set.
Step 11
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Nutritional Information
Calories
183 Kcal
Proteins
16.8 g
Total Fat
3.9 g
Total Carbohydrates
20.2 g
Cholesterol
45 mg
Sodium
632 mg
Potassium
563 mg
Tip -For crispier cookies, roll dough thin. Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
3 hours ago
Q. Q.Asktheexperta# I m an expecting mother of 29 yrs. LMP 10 Feb 2024 . my husband's HPLC report shows thalassemia minor trait while mine is hb d Punjab trait . can we continue with this pregnancy ??
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. Well you should check with your gynaecologist for that she has to go through all the reports and the issues that you are facing you and your husband and accordingly she can tell you what is the situation how your child is going because lot of things depend upon how the child is growing
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
2 hours ago
Q. Hi doctor, I had scan on 33 weeks 2 day, it stated that AC and HC Is <2.3% which is corresponding to 31 weeks. So overall growth of baby avg is 31 week and 2 days.
will there be any issue with the baby.I have attached my report
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. For the query asked needdhs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken and the expert will give you the proper answer .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. I am having pain on my right breast while breastfeeding. Latching position is correct. it is a mix of burning sensation and pain. Pain lasts for few minutes after breastfeeding also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. nipcare ointments ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
1 hour ago
Q. When baby movement starts??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. 5-6 months ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. hello dr..I am 39 weeks 3 days pregnant, AFI level 8 is this normal?and normal delivery possible for me? Is the fluid enough for up to 1 week?Do I need a drip? please suggest me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. the levels are on the lower side. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
2 mins ago
Q. Hi.. Priyanka kalra doctor..I am 39 weeks 3 days pregnant, AFI level 8 is this normal?and normal delivery possible for me? Is the fluid enough for up to 1 week?Do I need a drip? please suggest me.
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
1 min ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and it is quite difficult to say anything about it without personally examination and proper reports evaluation. So better to consult with your treating gynaecologist in person as she knew the exact health condition of your pregnancy and can guide you better.
Take care
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