What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers specifically to the inflammation of the liver, which can result from various causes, including viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases. This inflammation can impact the liver's ability to function properly, leading to symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and changes in urine or stool color. Understanding hepatitis is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, as different types of hepatitis (such as Hepatitis A, B, and C) have distinct causes and implications for public health.

Conditions like inflammation of the kidneys, heart, or pancreas refer to disorders with specific medical terminology: nephritis for kidney inflammation, myocarditis for heart inflammation, and pancreatitis for pancreatic inflammation. Each of these conditions affects different organs and has different implications for treatment. Therefore, recognizing that hepatitis pertains specifically to liver inflammation is vital in a medical context.