Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by viral infections, alcohol use, medications, toxins, autoimmune diseases, or fatty liver disease.
The most common viral types are:
| Type | How it's spread | Can become chronic? |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Contaminated food or water | Usually no |
| Hepatitis B | Blood, sexual contact, childbirth | Yes |
| Hepatitis C | Primarily blood exposure | Yes |
| Hepatitis D | Requires hepatitis B infection | Yes |
| Hepatitis E | Contaminated water | Usually no |
Common symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain (especially upper right side)
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Diagnosis is typically made with blood tests, and sometimes imaging or a liver biopsy.
Treatment depends on the cause:
- Some forms (such as hepatitis A) often resolve on their own with supportive care.
- Chronic hepatitis B and C may require antiviral medications.
- Avoiding alcohol and liver-damaging substances is important.
If you're asking about a specific type of hepatitis, symptoms you're experiencing, test results, or treatment options, tell me more and I can provide more detailed information.
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