The effects of deteriorating lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits aren’t limited to adults; innocent children are also falling prey to them. Many children’s days are incomplete without chips, chocolate, cold drinks, and other ultra-processed snacks. Parents readily give them these things out of love and affection, but this very habit is making them victims of serious liver diseases at an early age. The preservatives added to foods to extend their shelf life are slowly weakening the body from within. These bad eating habits, along with children’s lack of physical activity, are leading to fatty liver and other liver-related problems. Let’s explore the symptoms of poor liver health in children that should never be ignored.
These are the early signs of liver damage in children
According to Dr Ajay Kumar, Senior Pediatrician, KDSG Hospital, if the following symptoms are seen in the child, one should be alert immediately:
Yellowing of the eyes: If your child’s eyes or skin appear yellow, this is a clear sign of a liver problem. Don’t ignore this.
Vomiting and nausea: The child vomits frequently or feels like vomiting all the time.
Pain in the upper abdomen: Complaint of constant pain in the upper and right side of the abdomen.
Loss of appetite and bloating: The child suddenly loses his appetite and feels bloated.
When the liver condition becomes very serious
Experts say that if children’s liver health is ignored for a long time, the situation can take a dangerous turn:
Ascites
The entire body or especially the legs become so swollen that water starts leaking from the skin.
Blood in the stool or bleeding from any part of the body.
Serious neurological problems such as seizures.
What to do to keep children’s liver safe?
Identifying the underlying cause of your child’s liver disease (such as fatty liver, hepatitis, infection, or genetic problems) is crucial, as treatment is tailored accordingly. Furthermore, it’s crucial to keep a few important things in mind:
Adopt a healthy diet: Instead of packaged and junk food, give children fresh fruits, green vegetables, whole grains and the right amount of protein according to their age.
Stay away from sugar and fried foods: Do not give excessively fried food, junk food and sweet things to children.
Don’t give medication without consulting a doctor: Giving children antibiotics or painkillers on your own can weaken their liver. Always give medication only after consulting a pediatrician.
Keep your child hydrated: Provide plenty of water throughout the day. Coconut water is also an excellent way to keep your child hydrated from within. Make sure to give your child at least one cup of coconut water a day.