Hepatitis
Definition
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. At least six forms of hepatitis are now recognized. They are referred to as hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, and G. They vary considerably in severity. Some forms are acute (sudden and brief) and others are chronic (long-lasting). Some forms have little or no long-lasting effects. Others can become life-threatening diseases.
Description
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It regulates the amount of many chemicals that occur in the blood. It removes substances from the blood that are or may become toxic. A toxin is a poison. The liver changes these substances into less harmful forms. It then converts them into a form that will dissolve in water. In this form, the substances are eliminated from the body. If the liver is damaged, toxic substances may build up in the bloodstream. In the worst cases, these substances can cause serious illness and even death.
Most forms of hepatitis are caused by viruses. The viruses have names similar to those of the diseases they cause. Hepatitis A, for example, is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), and so on.
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