Viral Hepatitis: A Through E and Beyond

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Several different viruses cause viral hepatitis. They are named the hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses.

All of these viruses cause acute, or short-term, viral hepatitis. The hepatitis B, C, and D viruses can also cause chronic hepatitis, in which the infection is prolonged, sometimes lifelong.

Other viruses may also cause hepatitis, but they have yet to be discovered and they are obviously rare causes of the disease.

Symptoms of Viral Hepatitis

Symptoms include

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• fatigue
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• low grade fever
• headache

However, some people do not have symptoms.

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver.

source: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/viralhepatitis/index.htm