Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The different types of hepatitis are caused by different agents, but they all produce inflammation of the liver.
Viral hepatitis refers to several common contagious diseases caused by viruses that attack the liver. Acute viral hepatitis is a syndrome characterized by loss of appetite, malaise, nausea, low-grade fever, tender enlarged liver, and an increase in liver enzymes. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) is a common but variable feature. The syndrome results from hepatic (liver) inflammation and liver cell necrosis, and may be caused by any of the known human hepatitis viruses, A, B, C, D, & E. We will discuss hepatitis A, B, and C.
Non-viral hepatitis can be caused by toxic agents (drugs or chemicals), alcohol, or autoimmune processes. Toxic hepatitis is a deterioration of liver cells caused by chemicals, alcohol, drugs, and industrial compounds. Alcohol abuse is a common cause of toxic liver damage.
