What causes hepatitis?
In a healthy liver
Your liver has lots of jobs. So it is normal for liver cells to get worn out or damaged. This causes inflammation.
Inflammation is a normal part of your immune system. It sends messages to your liver’s repair system telling it to replace dead or damaged cells. Once this is done the inflammation stops and the repair system tidies up and shuts down again.
In a liver with hepatitis
Sometimes the inflammation does not stop. This is called hepatitis.
Hepatitis happens when your liver keeps on being damaged. For example, if you have a virus attacking it. Or it is having to deal with a lot of fat or alcohol. This damage means that the inflammation does not go away. So the repair system does not get turned off.
What happens if I have hepatitis?
Your liver can carry on working even if you have hepatitis. Depending on your condition, you might not have any symptoms. Or they might be very mild.
But over time the constant inflammation and repair becomes a dangerous cycle. If it is not stopped it can lead to the next stage of liver disease, called fibrosis (scarring).
Can I stop hepatitis?
Many people can stop hepatitis. If it is stopped early enough your liver might be able to completely recover.
The best way to stop hepatitis is to take away whatever is causing the damage. This could mean:
- losing weight or eating a healthier diet
- stopping drinking alcohol
- getting treatment for viral hepatitis
- taking medicines to treat or control autoimmune hepatitis
Stopping hepatitis before it can progress is very important. Once you start to develop fibrosis it can be harder for your liver to get back to normal.
If you think you are at risk of liver disease, do not wait until you get symptoms. Many people will only find out that they have a problem when they have cirrhosis and are seriously ill.
You can find out about your risk factors using our free and confidential online screener.
Getting help
If you might be at risk of viral hepatitis ask your GP for a test. If you live in England you can get a free home test for hepatitis C.
Making changes in your everyday life can be very hard. But you are more likely to stick with them if you get help.
You can ask at your GP surgery to find out what support services are available in your area. We also have lots of information and links to support on our website:
Eating, drinking and keeping active.
Special thanks
We would like to thank Professor Jonathan Fallowfield, Chair of Translational Liver Research & Principal Investigator, Institute for Regeneration & Repair, University of Edinburgh, for his help reviewing this information.
Published: June 2024
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