concept

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is defined as inflammation of the liver that can result from a variety of causes such as heavy alcohol use, autoimmune, drugs, or toxins. However, the most frequent cause of hepatitis is due to a viral infection and is referred to as viral hepatitis. In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. The other types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis D and E and are less frequently encountered.. Based on the etiology of hepatitis, the severity can range from mild and self-limiting to severe illness requiring liver transplantation. Hepatitis can be further classified into acute and chronic based on the duration of the inflammation/insult to the liver. If inflammation of the liver lasts for less than 6 months, then it is termed as acute hepatitis and if it lasts longer than 6 months it is termed as chronic hepatitis. Acute hepatitis is usually self-resolving but can cause fulminant liver failure depending on the etiology. In contrast, chronic hepatitis can cause liver damage that includes liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and features of portal hypertension leading to significant morbidity and mortality.

Ref:
Mehta P, Reddivari AKR. Hepatitis. 2022 Oct 24. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan–. PMID: 32119436.

20 confidence points
0 comments
Added on Feb 28, 2023 by Barbara Van De Keer

Join Ninatoka!!

NinatoKa's goal is to support you as a therapist in unravelling the illness pathway from symptoms to cause, and to help you detect potential interventions.

Go to Explore to start your discovery!

Go to Learn to scroll through newly added data.

Go to Contribute to contribute to the Ninatoka database.

You can rate content up or down and add comments if you agree or disagree.