

This causes ongoing inflammation that can range from mild to severe, often hindering liver function. In some cases, the immune system mistakes the liver as harmful and attacks it. Other toxic causes of hepatitis include misuse of medications and exposure to toxins. Over time, it can cause permanent damage and lead to thickening or scarring of liver tissue ( cirrhosis) and liver failure. The alcohol directly injures the cells of your liver. This may also be referred to as alcoholic hepatitis. Alcohol and other toxinsĮxcess alcohol consumption can cause liver damage and inflammation. Hepatitis E is usually acute but can be particularly dangerous in pregnant women.Ĭontact with HBV in body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semenĬontact with HCV in body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semenĪlthough hepatitis is most commonly the result of an infection, other factors can cause the condition. This disease is uncommon in the United States, according to the CDC. Hepatitis E is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingesting fecal matter that contaminates the water supply. Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease that results from exposure to the hepatitis E virus (HEV).

Globally, HDV affects almost 5 percent of people with chronic hepatitis B. The hepatitis D virus (HDV) causes liver inflammation like other strains, but a person cannot contract HDV without an existing hepatitis B infection. This is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection. HCV is among the most common bloodborne viral infections in the United States and typically presents as a long-term condition.Īccording to the CDC, approximately 2.4 million Americans are currently living with a chronic form of this infection. Hepatitis C comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 826,000 people are living with chronic hepatitis B in the United States and around 257 million people worldwide. This is often an ongoing, chronic condition. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis B. This type of hepatitis is an acute, short-term disease. Hepatitis A is the result of an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 354 million people currently live with chronic hepatitis B and C globally. A different virus is responsible for each type of viral hepatitis. The five main viral classifications of hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue. These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol.

It is commonly the result of a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis. Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver.
