Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is an organ which carries out lots of important jobs in the body. If the liver is inflamed or damaged it may not work properly.
Acute hepatitis B
It can occur in both adults and children, although it is less common in children. Sometimes there may be no symptoms but in other cases it can cause someone to become very ill.
Symptoms of acute hepatitis B:
- Tiredness
- General aches and pains
- A high temperature (fever)
- A general sense of feeling unwell
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling and being sick
- Diarrhoea
- Tummy (abdominal) pain
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine and pale, grey-coloured stools
Chronic hepatitis B
This is when the hepatitis B virus does not clear from the body within six months. This is more common in children but can occur in adults as well. When hepatitis B is acquired at a younger age, it is more likely to become chronic (long-term).
Symptoms of chronic hepatitis B:
Most children with chronic hepatitis B have no symptoms. However, some children may experience symptoms if they have a ‘flare’ of the hepatitis B infection.
If you are experiencing any symptoms, call your doctor immediately. You can also book an appointment.