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 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
Hepatitis B (5 images)
Average Rating:
(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Hepatitis B is inflammation(irritation and swelling) of the liver due to the hepatitis B virus(HBV).Reviewer: George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/21/2009
Hepatitis C (3 images)
Average Rating:
(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Hepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to swelling(inflammation) of the liver.Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus(HCV). People who may be at risk for hepatitis C are those who:.Have been on long-term kidney dialysis Have re...Reviewer: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/20/2008
Hepatitis A (5 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Hepatitis A is inflammation(irritation and swelling) of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus.Reviewer: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Date: 09/20/2008
Chronic persistent hepatitis (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Chronic persistent hepatitis is mild liver inflammation that may be caused by various viruses and conditions.Persistent hepatitis; Hepatitis- persistent; Chronic lobular hepatitis; Mild chronic hepatitis.Reviewer: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Date: 09/24/2008
Autoimmune hepatitis (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Autoimmune hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that occurs when immune cells mistake the liver''s normal cells for harmful invaders and attack them.This disease is associated with other autoimmune diseases, including:.Hemolytic anemia Proliferat...Reviewer: George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/21/2009
Alcoholic liver disease (2 images)
Average Rating:
(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Alcoholic liver disease is damage to the liver and its function due to alcohol abuse.Liver disease due to alcohol; Cirrhosis or hepatitis- alcoholic; Laennec''s cirrhosis.Alcoholic liver disease usually occurs after years of excessive drinking. The...Reviewer: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (5/20/2008).Date: 12/12/2008
Drug-induced hepatitis (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Drug-induced hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that may occur when you take certain medications.Reviewer: George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/21/2009
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.Hepatitis D virus(HDV) is only found in people who carry the hepatitis B virus. HDV may make a hepatitis B infection or existing...Reviewer: George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/21/2009
Hepatic ischemia (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Hepatic ischemia is a condition in which the liver does not get enough blood or oxygen, causing injury to liver cells.Low blood pressure from any condition can lead to hepatic ischemia. Such conditions may include:.Abnormal heart rhythms Dehydrati...Reviewer: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 08/22/2008
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