Hepatitis is a term that refers to inflammation of the liver. The term hepatitis alone does not indicate the reason for the inflammation. Causes of hepatitis include:
Alcohol.
Inherited disorders.
Viral hepatitis.
Autoimmune diseases.
Medications.
Toxic exposure.
In general, the liver can be affected either with an acute insult, acute hepatitis, or chronic inflammation, chronic hepatitis. Acute hepatitis usually results when the offending agent is removed. Chronic hepatitis occurs when the inflammation deliver has occurred on a continuous basis for six months or longer. Liver diseases classified this manner and offending agents can be classified in the same general fashion.
