Worsening of Severe Acute Hepatitis Symptoms Occurs Very Fast

Illustration – sick child (ANTARA/Pexels

JAKARTA, kilat.com- Pediatrician from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia (FKUI) dr. Meida Tanukusumah, Sp.A said that the symptoms of severe acute hepatitis, which recently attacked children under the age of 16, could occur more quickly.

According to Meida, the course of acute hepatitis usually has four phases. Starting from the viral replication phase, namely the entry of the virus into the body but has not yet caused symptoms, then the initial symptom phase (prodromal), the advanced symptom phase or the icteric phase, and the healing phase. However, in severe acute hepatitis, the course becomes more rapid.

“In mysterious severe acute hepatitis, as soon as the virus enters, it immediately shows initial symptoms, then proceeds to further symptoms to become fulminant hepatitis. We must be vigilant because it worsens quickly,” Meida explained in a webinar on Thursday.

The early symptoms of severe acute hepatitis, said Meida, include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Meanwhile, further symptoms include yellowing of the eyes and skin, concentrated urine such as tea, pale white stools, blood clotting disorders, seizures, and even decreased consciousness.

Hepatitis itself is known as inflammation of the liver. The causes of the disease include viral infection with hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, non-viral infections such as bacteria, or other conditions such as toxins, impaired blood flow to the liver, and abdominal trauma.

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However, Meida, who is now practicing at the Medistra Hospital, said the cause of severe acute hepatitis is still not known for certain and research is still being done. However, there is a hypothesis that the disease is caused by adenovirus-41.

“But this is just a hypothesis. So a series of scientific processes are still needed, it takes a lot of research time and of course costs. So the cause is not yet known,” added Meida.

However, Meida appealed to parents not to panic and always apply clean and healthy lifestyle (PHBS) and the 6M movement to prevent the transmission of severe acute hepatitis to children.

PHBS includes washing hands properly, drinking water and eating clean and cooked food, throwing feces or diapers in place, not sharing food with others, and keeping the house and environment clean.

While the 6M are wearing masks, washing hands, staying away from crowds, limiting mobility, maintaining distance, and avoiding shared meals.

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“The transmission is through the gastrointestinal tract, from food. So, you have to eat cooked food. In addition, also through close contact with those who are sick with hepatitis, “concluded Meida. (yes)

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