Inflammation of the liver.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Hepatitis can be caused by infections with various organisms, including bacteria, viruses (Hepatitis A, B, C, etc.), or parasites. Chemical toxins such as alcohol, drugs, or poisonous mushrooms can also damage the liver and cause it to become inflamed. A rare but extremely dangerous cause of hepatitis results from overdose of acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can be deadly. In addition, immune cells in the body may attack the liver and cause autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatitis may resolve quickly (acute hepatitis), or cause long-term disease (chronic hepatitis). In some instances, progressive liver damage or liver failure may result. The incidence and severity of hepatitis vary depending on many factors, including the cause of the liver damage and any underlying illnesses in a patient. Common risk factors include intravenous drug use, Tylenol overdose (the dose needed to cause damage is quite close to the effective dose so be sure to be careful to take Tylenol only as directed), risky sexual behaviors, ingestion of contaminated foods, and alcohol use. Common types of hepatitis include:

Signs and tests

Treatment

Treatment varies depending on the cause of the hepatitis.

Support groups

There are support groups for people with all types of hepatitis, which can help you deal with the disease and learn about the latest treatments. A good resource is: http://www.hepatitis-central.com/index.html .

Expectations (prognosis)

As with the severity of the disease, the prognosis depends on many factors, including the cause of the hepatitis and whether or not the person has additional illnesses or conditions which can complicate treatment or recovery. Many people recover fully; however, it may take months for the liver to heal.

Complications

Permanent liver damage or liver failure can occur.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you experience the symptoms described above.

Prevention

Preventative measures include: 1. Avoid contact with blood or blood products. 2. Avoid sexual contact with a person infected with hepatitis or person with unknown health history. Practice safer sex behaviors . 3. Use good hand-washing practices. 4. Hepatitis A vaccine is available for people in high-risk groups. 5. Hepatitis B vaccine is available for people at high risk such as institutional or nursery workers, healthcare professionals, intravenous drug users, and persons with risky sexual behavior. 6. Avoid IV drug use. If you are already an IV drug user, never share needles and seek help from a needle exchange or drug treatment program as soon as possible.