Liver Disease - All About Liver Diseases

Liver Disease Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. A Guide to Better Understanding of Liver Diseases

Liver disease occurs when certain diseases or conditions cause liver damage. It is a broad term used for many of the disorders or diseases affecting the liver tissue.

Most liver problems or diseases are accompanied by jaundice—the yellowing or yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes. The presence of jaundice almost always indicates liver disease. Other liver disease symptoms depend on the part of the liver affected. Let’s have a look at some of the different types of liver diseases, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis occurs when normal liver tissue is replaced by a scar due to long-term liver injury. These scar tissues are not functional and cannot replace the normal liver’s functions.

Cirrhosis symptoms may not be present during the early stages. However, symptoms occur as the disease progresses including jaundice, weakness and fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloating due to accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Ascites is the medical term used for the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.

This liver disease can be caused by too much alcohol drinking, such as that occurs in alcohol-related liver disease; chronic (long-term) hepatitis B, C, or D; nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; and autoimmune hepatitis where the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks normal liver cells. In the United States, chronic alcohol drinking and chronic hepatitis are the leading causes of liver cirrhosis, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

In some cases, diseases that damage or destroy the liver’s bile ducts—tiny passageways in the liver, and some inherited diseases like cystic fibrosis and Wilson disease, cause liver cirrhosis.

Unfortunately, experts have not yet found a way to reverse liver damage. Liver cirrhosis treatment depends on the cause of liver scarring. The ultimate goal of cirrhosis treatment is aimed at slowing the progression of liver damage. Treatment options, depending on the cause of cirrhosis, may include lifestyle changes, nutrition therapy, and medications. If too much damage to the liver occurs, liver transplantation may be necessary.

• Know more about liver cirrhosis.

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Hepatitis

Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. Many health problems can cause the liver to become inflamed. Liver inflammation can be caused by infection with hepatitis viruses (the most common cause), excessive alcohol drinking, certain drugs, and autoimmune diseases.

Hepatitis symptoms may include fever, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, pale bowel movements, dark-colored urine, and stomach pain. Some people with hepatitis may have no symptoms at all.

Some virus-related hepatitis may eventually lead to chronic hepatitis, which can cause liver cirrhosis.

Hepatitis treatment depends mainly on the cause. In some, hepatitis may go away on its own without special medical attention. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. Hepatitis treatment may include medicines to control liver inflammation and manage further progression of the disease.

Avoiding alcohol is necessary for alcohol-related hepatitis. Vaccines are available for the prevention of hepatitis A and B. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine available for the prevention of hepatitis C.

Get to know more about hepatitis in our "Hepatitis Series".

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is a type of autoimmune disease causing the liver to swell and become inflamed. An autoimmune disease occurs when the person’s own immune system becomes overactive and attacks normal cells, in this case the liver. Nobody knows why some people’s immune system does this. However, researches believe that certain genetic factors may make some people to be prone to autoimmune diseases. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, about 70 percent of those with autoimmune hepatitis are female.

Autoimmune hepatitis may have similar symptoms with other liver conditions, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis including jaundice, enlargement of the liver, nausea and vomiting, itching, and abdominal pain.

There is no actual cure for autoimmune hepatitis. However, the condition can be controlled with proper treatment. Sometimes, medications that slow down or suppress an overactive immune system help control the progression of the disease.

Long-term autoimmune hepatitis can lead to liver cirrhosis and even liver failure if not controlled. Once liver failure occurs, liver transplantation is necessary.

• More information about Autoimmune Hepatitis.

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Alcoholic Liver Disease

Long-term alcohol drinking is the primary cause of alcoholic liver disease. Most people who consume minimal amounts of alcohol do not suffer liver damage. However, drinking too much alcohol for many years can cause injury to liver tissues. Over time, the condition can lead to scarring of the liver, called cirrhosis. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, alcoholic liver disease led to more deaths than cirrhosis caused by other conditions or health problems in the past.

Alcoholic liver disease symptoms may be similar to other liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis. Symptoms may include loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, weakness, fatigue, abdominal pain, and jaundice.

The only way to prevent alcoholic liver disease is to stop drinking alcohol. There is no way to reverse liver damage or scarring once it has started. The primary goal of treatment is to prevent further scarring of the liver. Depending on the extent of damage, treatment of alcoholic liver disease may include lifestyle changes, nutritional therapy, and medications. Sometimes, liver transplantation may be necessary if the liver stops functioning due to extensive liver damage.

Suggested Readings

• Signs of Liver Problems
• Liver Cancer
• Gallbladder Diseases
• Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
• Liver Transplantation

<sub>Sources:
Cirrhosis. (http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/cirrhosis/). National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

Hepatitis. (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hepatitis.html) National Library of Medicine</sub>

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Hepatitis B - About Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus called the hepatitis B virus, or HBV. It may be either acute or chronic.

Acute hepatitis B virus infection is a short-term liver illness that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the hepatitis virus. The acute infection may—but does not always—lead to chronic infection.

Chronic hepatitis B infection is a long-term liver illness that occurs when the virus remains in a person’s body.

How is hepatitis B spread?

Unlike hepatitis A that is spread through ingestion of contaminated foods and beverages, hepatitis B is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood, semen, or other body fluid.

People can become infected with the virus through the following:

 Birth (spread from an infected mother to her baby during birth)

 Having sex with an infected person without using a condom

 Sharing of drug needles

 Sharing items such as razors or toothbrushes with an infected person

 Getting pricked with a needle that has infected blood on it (health care workers can get infected this way)

 Having a tattoo or body piercing done with dirty tools that were used on someone else who is infected

Hepatitis can not be spread through

 Shaking hands with a person with the infection

 Hugging an infected person

 Sharing of eating utensils

 Breastfeeding

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What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?

Some people infected with hepatitis B virus may not have symptoms. However, when symptoms appear, the infected person may feel like having the flu. Symptoms may include:

 fever

 fatigue

 loss of appetite

 nausea

 vomiting

 abdominal pain

 light-colored stools

 dark yellow urine

 jaundice (yellow color in the skin or eyes)

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What tests are available for hepatitis B?

To check for hepatitis B, the doctor will test a sample of your blood. The doctor may also perform a procedure called liver biopsy. In this procedure, the doctor removes a tiny piece of your liver through a needle. The doctor will then check the liver tissue sample for signs of hepatitis B and liver damage.
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How is hepatitis B treated?

Treatment of hepatitis B may involve drugs, such as interferon, lamivudine, and adefovir dipivoxil. (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 2006)

Over time, hepatitis B may cause the liver to stop working properly. A procedure called liver transplantation may be necessary. The procedure involves taking out the totally damaged liver and putting in a new, healthy one from a donor.
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Prevention

The best way to prevent hepatitis B infection is by getting the hepatitis B vaccine.

Other ways to protect yourself and others from hepatitis B include:

 using a condom when you have sex

 not sharing drug needles with anyone

 wearing gloves if you have to touch anyone’s blood

 not using an infected person’s toothbrush or razor

 making sure that any tattooing or body piercing is done with clean tools

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For More Information

You can also get more information about hepatitis B from these institutions or groups: (links open in a new window)

American Liver Foundation (ALF)
Internet: www.liverfoundation.org

Hepatitis B Foundation
Internet: www.hepb.org

Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI)
Internet: www.hepfi.org

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov

References:
CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis (September 2008). Hepatitis B Information for the Public. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Web URL: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/B/bFAQ.htm. Accessed: October 7, 2008

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (December 2006). What I need to know about Hepatitis B (NIH Publication No. 07—4228). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepa_ez/index.htm. Accessed: October 7, 2008

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Hepatitis Series

Introduction:

The word “hepatitis” is a medical term, which means inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol consumption, and bacterial or viral infections. Hepatitis is also the name of a family of viral infections that affect the liver; the most common types are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Hepatitis: When the Liver Becomes Inflamed
A brief discussion on hepatitis covering its common causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Learn more. >>>

Types/Forms of Viral Hepatitis
An overview of some of the forms of viral hepatitis. Learn more. >>>

Hepatitis A
A discussion about this highly contagious viral hepatitis that can be spread through ingestion of contaminated foods and drinks. Learn more. >>>

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood, semen, or other body fluid. Learn more about it. >>>

Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is spread when an infected person’s blood comes in contact with the blood of an uninfected person. Learn more. >>>

Autoimmune Hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when the body’s immune system attacks normal liver cells. Learn more. >>>

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Autoimmune Hepatitis Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment

Autoimmune hepatitis is a liver disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the liver cells. This autoimmune disease causes inflammation of the liver, also called hepatitis.

The reason why the immune system attacks the liver cells is not entirely clear. However, some diseases, bacteria, viruses, drugs, and toxins may trigger or cause autoimmune hepatitis in susceptible people. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), seventy percent of those with autoimmune hepatitis are female.

Early diagnosis and treatment of the disease is essential, if left untreated, autoimmune hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and eventually to liver failure.
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Types of autoimmune hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis may either be type 1 or type 2.

Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis is the more common form of the disease. Although it can occur at any age, type 1 autoimmune hepatitis often starts in adolescence or young adulthood. Half of those with type 1 have other autoimmune disorders, such as

 Type 1 diabetes

 Proliferative glomerulonephritis (inflammation of blood vessels in the kidneys)

 Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland)

 Grave’s disease (leading cause of overactive thyroid)

 Sjögren’s syndrome (a syndrome that causes dry eyes and mouth)

Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis, on the other hand, is less common, which typically affects girls aged 2 to 14. This type can also occur in adults.

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Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis

Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis may vary in severity from mild to severe. But fatigue is probably the most common symptom of this liver disease. Other symptoms may include:

 Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)

 Enlarged liver

 Itching (pruritus)

 Skin rashes

 Nausea and vomiting

 Abnormal blood vessels on the skin (spider angiomas)

 Joint pains

 Liver scarring (cirrhosis)

 Ascites (fluid in the abdomen)

 Mental confusion

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Diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis

The diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis is based on symptoms, blood tests, and liver biopsy.

Blood tests. Routine blood test can help reveal a pattern typical of hepatitis. Antibody test are needed to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis.

Blood tests are helpful in distinguishing autoimmune hepatitis from other diseases that resemble it, such as viral hepatitis B or C, or a metabolic disorder such as Wilson’s disease.

Liver biopsy. A procedure in which a liver tissue sample is extracted from the patient’s liver. The small sample of liver tissue is examined with a microscope. Liver biopsy can help doctors to accurately diagnose autoimmune hepatitis and determine how serious it is.

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Treatment of autoimmune hepatitis

Early detection of autoimmune hepatitis is essential to prevent progression of the disease. With proper treatment, the disease can be controlled or managed.

The primary goal of treatment for autoimmune hepatitis is to suppress, or slow down, the overactive immune system.

Both types of autoimmune hepatitis are treated with drugs that suppress the immune system, such as prednisone and azathioprine (Imuran). However, both of these drugs have side effects. The doctor will determine the best dose for individual patients with the disease.

If the patient does not respond to these drugs or have severe side effects, the doctor may prescribe cyclosporine or another immunosuppressive drugs.

However, people who progress to end-stage liver disease—also called liver failure—or cirrhosis may need to undergo liver transplantation.
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Reference:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (April 2008). Autoimmune Hepatitis (NIH Publication No. 08—4761). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm. Accessed: October 9, 2008

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Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a contagious disease of the liver that is caused by a virus called the hepatitis C virus, or HCV. Symptoms can range from mild illness, which last for a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness that attacks the liver. Hepatitis C may either be acute or chronic.

People who are newly infected have what is called acute hepatitis C. For about 15 to 40 percent of this group, the infection is short-term, goes away, and does not recur. In others, acute infection leads to chronic (long-lasting) hepatitis C.

In chronic hepatitis C, the virus stays in the liver, replicates, and injures the liver over time. Chronic hepatitis C can lead to serious liver problems, such as cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, and even liver failure.

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How is hepatitis C spread?

Hepatitis C is spread or transmitted when an infected person’s blood comes in contact with the blood of someone who is not infected.

People can become infected with the hepatitis C virus through the following:

 Sharing drug needles with an infected person

 Getting accidentally pricked with a needle that has infected blood on it (health care workers can be infected this way)

 Birth (being born to a mother who has hepatitis C). according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), the risk exists but is low (about 1 to 5 percent).

 Having sex with an infected person, especially if you or your partner has other sexually transmitted diseases

You could also get hepatitis C, although rare, by getting a tattoo or body piercing with unsterilized, dirty tools.

Hepatitis C is not spread through shaking hands, sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, coughing, or sneezing. Furthermore, it is not spread through food or water.
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Symptoms of hepatitis C

Most people with hepatitis C have no symptoms. However, some people infected with the virus may feel like they have the flu, which may include:

 Fever

 Fatigue

 Loss of appetite

 Nausea

 Vomiting

 Abdominal pain

Some people may have

 Dark yellow urine

 Light-colored feces or stools

 Jaundice (yellow color in the skin or eyes)

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Treatment

People who have a mild case of hepatitis C may only need to manage it by visiting their doctor regularly and following their doctor’s recommendations—such as getting enough rest, adequate nutrition, and fluids. Alcohol should be avoided.

People with chronic hepatitis C should be monitored regularly for signs of liver damage and evaluated for treatment. The chronic form of hepatitis C may be treated with a combination of two medicines, interferon and ribavirin. However, the drugs may cause serious side effects in some patients.
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Ways to prevent hepatitis C

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. But there are ways to protect yourself and others from getting infected, such as:

 Avoid sharing drug needles with anyone

 Wear gloves if you need to touch anyone’s blood

 If you have several sex partners, use a condom during sex

 Do not donate your blood or plasma if you have hepatitis C

 Avoid using an infected person’s toothbrush or razor

 If you get a tattoo or body piercing, make sure that it is done with sterilized or clean tools

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For More Information

You can also get more information about hepatitis C from these institutions or groups: (links open in a new window)

American Liver Foundation (ALF)
Internet: www.liverfoundation.org

Hepatitis B Foundation
Internet: www.hepb.org

Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI)
Internet: www.hepfi.org

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Internet: www.nccam.nih.gov

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
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References:
CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis (July 2008). Hepatitis C Information for the Public. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Web URL: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/C/cFAQ.htm. Accessed: October 7, 2008

NCCAM Research Report (May 2004). Hepatitis C and CAM NCCAM (Publication No. D004).
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/hepatitisc/. Accessed: October 7, 2008

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (May 2004). What I need to know about Hepatitis C (NIH Publication No. 04—4229). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepa_ez/index.htm. Accessed: October 7, 2008

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Hepatitis A

Hepatitis, a disease that affects the liver, is the medical term for the inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A is a liver disease, which is caused by a virus called the hepatitis A virus. It is a contagious disease that can be passed from one person to another.

Eating foods and drinking beverages that have been contaminated with the hepatitis A virus commonly spreads Hepatitis A. It can also be spread through close personal contact with someone who has the infection.
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Who can get hepatitis A?

Although anyone can get hepatitis A, some people are more likely to be infected than others, such as those who

 Live with someone who is infected with hepatitis A

 Work in a day care center. Children who go to day care are also at risk.

 Are men who have sexual contact with other men

 Travel to or live in countries where hepatitis A is common

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The symptoms of hepatitis A:

Some people with hepatitis A do not have any symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur, it can make you feel like you have the flu. Symptoms may include the following:

 Fever

 Fatigue

 Nausea

 Vomiting

 Loss of appetite

 Pain in the abdomen

 Dark yellow urine

 Yellowing of the skin or eyes

 Light-colored stools

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How is hepatitis A treated?

Almost all people who get hepatitis A recover completely without any special treatments. However, you may have to rest in bed for several days or weeks. The doctor may give you medicines to help relieve symptoms.

People with hepatitis A should check with their healthcare provider before taking supplements or over-the-counter medications, which can damage the liver. Also, alcohol should be avoided.
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How to protect yourself from hepatitis A?

You can protect yourself from getting hepatitis A through vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine. Having vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for

 All children

 Travelers to certain countries

 People at high risk for infection with the virus

You can also protect yourself and others from hepatitis A by

 Frequently washing your hands after using the toilet and before fixing food or eating

 Wearing gloves if you have to touch other people’s stool. You should also wash you hands afterwards

 Drinking bottled water when you travel in other countries with high rates of hepatitis A

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For More Information

You can also get more information about hepatitis A from these institutions or groups: (links open in a new window)

American Liver Foundation (ALF)
Internet: www.liverfoundation.org

Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI)
Internet: www.hepfi.org

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
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References:
CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis (June 2008). Hepatitis A Information for the Public. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Web URL: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/A/aFAQ.htm. Accessed: October 6, 2008

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (December 2003). What I need to know about Hepatitis A (NIH Publication No. 04—4244). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepa_ez/index.htm. Accessed: October 7, 2008

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Hepatitis - Inflamed Liver - Liver Inflammation

The liver, a large organ located on the upper right abdomen, has many functions. It helps in the digestion of food, stores energy source, and removes toxins from the body. Hepatitis, is a liver disease that makes the liver swell and keep it from working properly. Some forms of hepatitis may lead to scarring, called cirrhosis, or to cancer.

What causes hepatitis?

Viruses cause most cases of hepatitis. The type of hepatitis is named according to the virus that causes it. The most common types of hepatitis are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Chronic (long-term) use of alcohol or drugs may also cause hepatitis. In some cases, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks our body tissues.

Spread of Hepatitis

Hepatitis caused by viruses may be spread through close personal contact with an infected person. Hepatitis A can be spread through food or water contaminated by feces from a person who has the virus. You can get hepatitis B by having sex with an infected person without a condom, sharing drug needles, or sharing a toothbrush or razor with an infected person. It can be spread through contact with an infected person’s blood, semen, or other body fluid. A woman with hepatitis B can give the virus to her baby at birth.

Hepatitis C is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood. You can get hepatitis C by sharing drug needles or getting pricked with a needle that has infected blood on it.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hepatitis may resemble the feeling of having the flu. You might

 feel tired

 have fever

 experience nausea and vomiting

 have stomach pain

 lose your appetite

Some people who have hepatitis may notice their urine turn to dark yellow, stools become light-colored, and their eyes and skin have a yellowish tone. Some may not even know they have hepatitis because they don’t feel any symptoms at all.

If you think that you might have hepatitis, consult your doctor.

Treatment

Most people with hepatitis A get well on their own after a few weeks even without special medical treatment. Hepatitis B also usually gets better on its own after a few months.

Unlike hepatitis A and B, hepatitis C does not get better by itself. Medications might be given to people with hepatitis C but side effects can be a problem. Over time, hepatitis B or C may cause the liver to stop working. You can’t live without your liver. If it stops functioning, you will need to undergo liver transplantation.

Prevention

Having a vaccine can protect you from some forms of hepatitis. But there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

You can protect yourself from hepatitis A by washing your hands after using the toilet and before touching any food.

To protect yourself from hepatitis B and C

 Use a condom when you have sex.

 Wear gloves if you have to touch someone’s blood.

 Do not share drug needles.

 Do not share toothbrush or razor with anyone who might be infected.

Points to Remember:

 Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver.

 The most common causes of hepatitis are viruses.

 Hepatitis can be caused by other diseases, such as autoimmune disorders.

 Some forms of hepatitis can be prevented by following proper hygiene practices.

 You can protect your self from some forms of hepatitis by getting a vaccination.

<sub>Source: Scientific information provided by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse and the National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 07–6190S. August 2007. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepatitis_ES/index.htm

This Page Last Revised: August 26, 2011</sub>

Types of Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a liver disease that makes your liver swelland keeps it from working correctly. Hepatitis may be caused by viruses or by medicines or alcohol. Hepatitis has the following forms:

Hepatitis A

A virus most often spread by contaminated food and water by feces of a person with hepatitis A virus, or HAV.

Hepatitis B

A virus commonly spread by sexual intercourse or blood transfusion, or from mother to newborn at birth. Another way it spreads is by using a needle that was used by an infected person. Hepatitis B is more common and much more easily spread than the AIDS virus and may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis C

A virus spread by blood transfusion and possibly by sexual intercourse or sharing needles with infected people. Hepatitis C may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis C used to be called non-A, non-B hepatitis.

Hepatitis D (Delta)

A virus that occurs mostly in people who take illegal drugs by using needles. Only people who have hepatitis B can get hepatitis D.

Hepatitis E

A virus spread mostly through unclean water. This type of hepatitis is common in developing countries. It has not occurred in the United States.

To learn more about hepatitis, visit our Hepatitis page.

Source: Digestive Diseases Dictionary E-K. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). NIH Publication No. 00-2750: February 2000

This Page Last Revised: August 2, 2012