Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis is a serious disorder which affects the liver, one of the most important organs of the body. The liver removes harmful chemicals and toxins from the blood and also converts proteins and sugars into useful substances, stores them and releases them when required by the body. A liver infection makes it difficult for the liver to perform these functions; hence, it is essential to eradicate any problem as soon as it is detected.

The condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world but other infections, toxic substances (e.g. alcohol, certain drugs), and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis. Read more