Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Acute (short-term) hepatitis is usually due to infection with one of the hepatitis viruses, although it may also be due to other infections, such as cytomegalovirus infection, or to noninfectious factors, such as excessive alcohol intake or an overdose of acetaminophen.
Chronic (long-lasting) hepatitis is commonly a result of a hepatitis virus infection or long-term alcohol abuse.
Other causes include certain medications or diseases, such as hemochromatosis (in which iron builds up in the body). Symptoms include tiredness, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, and jaundice.
Chronic hepatitis may also cause abdominal swelling due to fluid build-up; vomiting of blood; and black, tarry feces. Severe hepatitis may lead to liver failure.
Acute hepatitis is usually treated with rest and medication to relieve symptoms. Most people recover, although in some cases the condition becomes chronic.
Severe cases require hospital treatment and sometimes a liver transplant.
Chronic hepatitis due to a viral infection is usually treated with medication.
In other cases, treatment depends on the cause.
In all cases, alcohol should be avoided. Vaccines against some of the hepatitis viruses are available to help prevent infection

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