Hepatitis

Any type of inflammation in the liver is called Hepatitis . If the inflammation continues for at least six months or longer, it is called chronic Hepatitis. 

Causes

Inflammation can be caused by viruses, alcohol, drugs, bacteria, and many other causes. 

Alcohol: Prolonged drinking of alcohol injures the liver. 

Drugs :Certain drugs can injure the liver in people who are hypersensitive or allergic to those medicines. 

Autoimmune disorders: Certain diseases like lupus erythematosus, can produce injury to the liver. They are known as autoimmune disorders because the body's own antibody defenses seem to actively damage the liver. 

Hereditary conditions : There are certain hereditary disorders such as Wilson's Disease, in which acute damage to the liver can occur. 

Viral infection : Viral infection is the most common cause of Hepatitis. Different types of viral Hepatitis are : Type A, Type B, Type C and D, E, and G viruses. Infectious mono virus, CMV Virus, and several other viruses are also capable of infecting the liver. 

Viral Hepatitis A: Sometimes called 'Infectious Hepatitis', it is spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated with human faeces. T his type of viral Hepatitis is infrequently life- threatening. 

Viral Hepatitis B: Sometimes called 'Serum Hepatitis', it can spread from mother to child at birth or soon after, through sexual contact, contaminated blood transfusions and needles. Viral Hepatitis B may lead to cirrhosis or scarring of the liver. 

Viral Hepatitis C: It was formerly known as 'non-A, non-B Hepatitis'. It can be spread through blood transfusions and contaminated needles. However, in a substantial number of patients, the cause is unknown. This may lead to cirrhosis or scarring of the liver. 

Viral Hepatitis D: This form of viral Hepatitis is found most often in IV drug users who are carriers of the Hepatitis B virus. It spreads only in the presence of the Hepatitis B virus and is transmitted in the same way. Hepatitis D is a serious health problem. 

Viral Hepatitis E : Similar to viral Hepatitis A, it is found most often in people living in unsanitary conditions. It is rarely life-threatening. 

Diagnosis

Blood tests are required to find out the cause, severity of Hepatitis and to follow the course of the disease. Ultrasound ( sonography) is performed to study bile ducts, gall bladder and liver. Occasionally a liver biopsy is required to identify the cause. 
For details, see Chapter 17 (Jaundice)

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of Hepatitis.