Other medications that can cause damage to the liver include methyldopa (used uncommonly for high blood pressure), isoniazid for tuberculosis, seizure medications (like valproate and phenytoin), chlorpromazine, amiodarone (for irregular heart rhythm), and certain antibiotics (including trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and erythromycin). If you need to take any of these, your doctor will follow your liver function closely.
Liver disease can also be caused by inherited disorders such as cystic fibrosis and Wilson's disease, a condition that involves having too much copper in your body (the excess copper deposits in organs like the liver).
Hepatitis may start and resolve quickly (acute hepatitis), or cause long-term disease (chronic hepatitis). In some instances, progressive liver damage, liver failure, or even liver cancer may result.
The severity of hepatitis depends on many factors, including the cause of the liver damage and any underlying illnesses you have. Hepatitis A, for example, is generally short-lived, not leading to chronic liver problems.
Common risk factors include:
Intravenous drug use
Overdosing on acetaminophen -- the dose needed to cause damage is close to the effective dose, so be careful to take it only as directed -- ask your doctor what amount of acetaminophen is safe for you; if your liver disease is severe, your doctor may also tell you to avoid certain anti-inflammatory medicines
Engaging in risky sexual behaviors (like having multiple sexual partners and unprotected intercourse)
Eating contaminated foods
Traveling to an area where certain diseases are common
Living in a nursing home or rehabilitation center
Having a family member who recently had hepatitis A
Using or abusing alcohol
Being an organ transplant recipient
Having HIV or AIDS
Having received a blood transfusion before 1990 (hepatitis C blood test was not available)
Being a newborn of a mother with hepatitis B or C (can be transmitted during delivery)
Being a healthcare worker, including dentist and dental hygienist, because of blood contact
Hepatitis B (5 images)
Average Rating:
(Doctor-Reviewed information)
The term "hepatitis" refers to syndromes or diseases causing liver inflammation, including inflammation due to viruses and chronic alcohol abuse. Viruses causing hepatitis include Hepatitis A, B, C, E, and the delta factor. Each virus causes a distinct syndrome, though they share some symptoms and consequences. Most people who become infected with hepatitis B get rid of the virus within 6 months. A short infection is known as an "acute" case of hepatitis B. Approximately 10% of people infected with the hepatitis B virus develop a chronic, life-long infection. People with chronic infection may have symptoms, but many of these patients never develop symptoms. These patients are sometimes referred to as "carriers" and can spread the disease to others. Having chronic hepatitis B increases your chance of permanent liver damage, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer. Reviewer: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 01/23/2006
Hepatitis C (3 images)
Average Rating:
(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus. Reviewer: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 05/04/2006
Hepatitis A (5 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Hepatitis A is an inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. Reviewer: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 07/28/2006
Chronic persistent hepatitis (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Chronic persistent hepatitis is mild liver inflammation (swelling and irritation) that may be caused by various viruses and conditions. Reviewer: Charlotte Grayson, MD, Private Practice specializing in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Smyrna, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 07/28/2006
Autoimmune hepatitis (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Autoimmune hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by immune cells that mistake the liver's normal cells as harmful invaders. Reviewer: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 07/25/2006
Alcoholic liver disease (2 images)
Average Rating:
(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Alcoholic liver disease involves an acute or chronic inflammation of the liver induced by alcohol abuse. See also cirrhosis. Reviewer: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 05/04/2006
Drug-induced hepatitis (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Drug-induced hepatitis involves inflammation of the liver caused by medication. Reviewer: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 01/23/2006
Delta agent (Hepatitis D) (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Delta agent is a type of virus called hepatitis D that causes symptoms only in people who have a hepatitis B infection. Reviewer: Charlotte Grayson, MD, Private Practice specializing in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Smyrna, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 07/28/2006
Hepatic ischemia (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Hepatic ischemia is a condition where not enough blood or oxygen gets to the liver. This shortage causes injury to liver cells. Reviewer: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/13/2006
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