Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the liver, an essential organ responsible for various bodily functions, including metabolism, digestion, detoxification, and immune system support. Several etiologies can lead to hepatitis, such as viral infections (most commonly hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, and E), alcohol use, toxins, medications, and autoimmune disorders. The severity of hepatitis ranges from a mild, acute condition that resolves spontaneously to a chronic, progressive disease that can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

Clinically, hepatitis manifests with a spectrum of symptoms depending on its cause and severity. Acute hepatitis often presents with jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), malaise, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and nausea. Chronic hepatitis may be asymptomatic or lead to long-term complications such as cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of liver function tests, serological markers, imaging studies, and sometimes liver biopsy. Prevention and management strategies vary, with vaccination available for hepatitis A and B, antiviral medications for hepatitis B and C, and lifestyle modifications for alcohol- or toxin-induced hepatitis.