What is hepatitis?

• A. Inflammation of the liver caused by certain viruses and other factors such as alcohol abuse, some medications, and trauma
• B. Inflammation of the liver caused by bacteria only
• C. Inflammation of the liver due to fatty liver disease
• D. Inflammation of the stomach

Answer: (A)

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It isn’t limited to one cause—the inflammation can come from viral infections (the hepatitis A, B, and C viruses) as well as non-infectious factors like alcohol use, certain medications, toxins, autoimmune processes, or trauma. This inflammation impairs the liver’s ability to perform its jobs, such as filtering blood, producing bile, and processing nutrients. It’s not inflammation of the stomach (that would be gastritis), and it isn’t defined by bacteria alone or by fatty liver disease, which is a related but distinct condition where fat buildup drives liver problems.