Hepatitis
Understanding hepatitis & its various types
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, a vital organ responsible for processing nutrients, filtering toxins, and producing essential proteins. There are two distinct categories of hepatitis: viral and non viral. This means that hepatitis can be caused either by a virus (viral infection), which is the most common cause of hepatitis, or it can be caused by other factors that are NOT a virus.
types of viral hepatitis
Non viral hepatitis causes
- Excessive alcohol use
- Fatty liver disease (metabolic disorders)
- Medications
- Toxins
- Autoimmune diseases
- Genetic disorders
Acute vs. chronic
Hepatitis can be categorized based on the duration of the infection - acute or chronic. Each type listed above can be acute or chronic.
Acute hepatitis is defined as a short-term infection that develops and passes within six months of exposure to a virus. In many cases, acute hepatitis may resolve on its own without treatment and with little lasting effects.
Chronic hepatitis is a longer infection, defined as lasting longer than six months. Some people experience a worsening of their hepatitis over time. It can lead to long-term liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. If the liver becomes too damaged, a liver transplant may become necessary.
Why choose us?
For more than 15 years, The Liver Institute has been on the forefront of various hepatitis treatments. With innovative treatments and well-rounded strategies, we can successfully cure most patients and reduce the risk of future complications.