Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver.

Hepatitis can have many causes, including viral infections, alcohol, certain medicines or toxins, autoimmune disease, and metabolic or other conditions. Viral hepatitis includes hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, which differ in their transmission, clinical course, and prevention or treatment.

Hepatitis may be acute or chronic, and persistent inflammation can lead to liver scarring, cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer in some cases.

QUICK FACT

Hepatitis does not always mean viral hepatitis. The term simply means inflammation of the liver.

COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH

Jaundice: a sign characterized by yellowing caused by elevated bilirubin; hepatitis can cause jaundice but does not always do so.

SEE ALSO