What is viral hepatitis?

Also known as: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, hepatitis E (and other viral names)

Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a number of  viruses which can damage or destroy liver cells. It can be a short term disease (acute hepatitis), or long- term (chronic hepatitis). Some children with hepatitis may have few or no symptoms. When present, symptoms may be concerning. Viral inflammation of the liver can lead to scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver and liver cancer.

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Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM