Hepatitis is swelling of the liver. The liver helps your body absorb nutrients, filter toxins from your blood and fight infections. When the liver becomes inflamed, it may not work as well as it should.
Some types of hepatitis are mild and go away on their own. Others can become long term and lead to serious liver damage. Early testing and treatment can help protect your liver.
Hepatitis means inflammation, or swelling, of the liver. It can be caused by:
Hepatitis can be short term (acute) or long term (chronic). Chronic hepatitis can cause lasting liver damage if not treated.
There are viral and nonviral types of hepatitis.
There are five main types of viral hepatitis:
Hepatitis A
Usually spreads through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
Spreads through contact with infected blood or body fluids. This includes sexual contact and sharing needles.
Hepatitis C
Spreads mainly through blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing needles.
Hepatitis D
Occurs only in people who already have hepatitis B.
Hepatitis E
Often spreads through contaminated water. It is more common in developing countries.
Not all hepatitis is caused by a virus. Other forms include:
Alcohol-associated hepatitis
Caused by long-term heavy alcohol use.
Toxic hepatitis
Caused by exposure to chemicals, poisons or certain medications.
Autoimmune hepatitis
Happens when the immune system attacks the liver by mistake.
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)
Linked to obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol.
Many people do not have symptoms at first. Symptoms may appear weeks, months or even years later.
Symptoms of hepatitis may include:
Because symptoms may not appear right away, screening is important if you are at higher risk.
You may be at higher risk, especially for hepatitis C, if you:
All adults age 18 and older should be screened for hepatitis C at least once. Talk with your health care provider about testing.
If you have symptoms or risk factors, your provider may recommend testing. Testing depends on your symptoms and health history.
Your provider will ask about your symptoms and possible exposures. They will look for signs of liver problems, such as jaundice or tenderness in the upper abdomen.
Blood tests are the main way hepatitis is diagnosed. They can:
Imaging tests create pictures of your liver. They can show its size and condition.
Tests may include:
In some cases, a liver biopsy may be needed. During this procedure:
Not everyone needs a biopsy. Your provider will explain if it is necessary.
Treatment depends on the type of hepatitis and whether it is short term or long term.
Most people recover within six months without specific treatment. Rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relievers may help. Severe cases may require hospital care.
Acute hepatitis B often does not require treatment. Chronic hepatitis B may require long-term antiviral medications. These medicines help reduce liver damage. Regular monitoring is important.
Chronic hepatitis C is usually treated with direct-acting antiviral medications. These medicines cure the infection in most people. Treatment often lasts 8 to 12 weeks.
Hepatitis D occurs only in people who have hepatitis B. Treatment options are limited. Care is often managed by a liver specialist.
Most cases clear on their own within a few weeks. People with weakened immune systems may need medical care.
Treatment includes stopping alcohol use and following a nutrition plan. Severe cases may require hospital care and support for alcohol use disorder.
Treatment focuses on managing obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol. Weight loss, healthy eating and physical activity are important.
Treatment usually includes medications that calm the immune system. Long-term treatment and monitoring are often needed.
Chronic hepatitis can lead to serious problems, including:
In advanced cases, a liver transplant may be needed. Regular follow-up visits and testing help detect problems early.
You can help protect your liver by:
You can reduce your risk by:
Living with hepatitis can feel overwhelming, but help is available. Trusted resources include:
Hepatitis is serious, but early testing and treatment can protect your liver. If you have symptoms or risk factors, talk with your health care provider.
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