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Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver characterized by jaundice, enlarged liver, fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, and abnormal liver function tests.
Hepatitis is caused by bacterial or viral infection, drugs (including alcohol), toxins, or parasites. It is most commonly caused by one of three viruses: the hepatitis A virus (HAV), the hepatitis B virus (HBV), or the hepatitis C virus (HCV). In some cases, mononucleosis can also result in hepatitis. Hepatitis A, also known as infectious hepatitis, is transmitted by contaminated food or water and personal contact, and is most often found in children or young adults. Hepatitis B, formerly called serum hepatitis, may be transmitted through sexual contact or through the use of contaminated blood or needles, and has a longer incubation period than hepatitis A. Hepatitis B can result in chronic active hepatitis and liver damage. Hepatitis C is transmitted through contact with contaminated blood, and can cause severe liver damage. In its early stages, hepatitis may cause flu-like symptoms. These symptoms may include malaise (a general ill feeling), fever, muscle aches, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and jaundice. Some people initially have no symptoms at all, and therefore may not realize they're infected. However, as this disease progresses, its symptoms begin to point to the liver as the source of illness. Sufferers may experience abdominal pain centered below the right ribs (over a tender, swollen liver) or below the left ribs (over a tender spleen). Chemicals normally secreted by the liver begin to build up in the blood, causing jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), foul breath, and a bitter taste in the mouth. Urine turns dark or "tea-colored," and stools become white, light, or "clay-colored." Radioimmunoassays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays may be used to screen for hepatitis. |
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