Long-Term Effects Of Hepatitis On Children
These types can become chronic, meaning the virus remains in the body and continues to affect the liver over a long period.
Chronic hepatitis can lead to long-term liver damage, including fibrosis (scarring of the liver), cirrhosis (severe liver scarring), and liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).
Chronic hepatitis can impair liver function over time. The liver is essential for many bodily functions, including filtering toxins from the blood, aiding digestion, and storing energy.
Impaired liver function can lead to complications such as jaundice, ascites (fluid build up in the abdomen), and encephalopathy (brain dysfunction due to liver failure).
The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing nutrients and maintaining muscle and bone health. Children with chronic hepatitis may experience delayed growth and development.
Chronic hepatitis can affect the immune system. The liver is involved in producing immune factors and removing bacteria from the bloodstream.
A compromised immune system can make children more susceptible to infections and other illnesses.
Chronic illness can impact a child’s mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Coping with a long-term illness can be challenging for both the child and their family.
Ongoing medical treatments, frequent doctor visits, and the physical symptoms of chronic hepatitis can affect a child’s quality of life. This can include limitations on physical activities and the need for a specialized diet.
There can also be a psychological impact, including the stress and emotional burden of living with a chronic illness.
In severe cases, where the liver is significantly damaged and liver function is severely compromised, a liver transplant may be necessary. Liver transplant is surgery by which the damaged liver is replaced by a healthy liver.
Dr Somnath Chattopadhyay, consultant and head of department, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai