What causes hepatitis?
In a healthy liver
The 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 the immune system. It sends messages to the 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 the liver keeps on being damaged. For example, if there is 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 someone has hepatitis?
The liver can carry on working even if it has hepatitis. Depending on the condition causing it, there might not be 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 hepatitis be stopped?
Many people can stop hepatitis. If it is stopped early enough the 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
- controlling autoimmune or inherited liver conditions
Stopping hepatitis before it can progress is very important. Once fibrosis starts to develop it can be harder for the liver to get back to normal.
If you think you or someone you care for are at risk of liver disease, do not wait for symptoms. Many people will only find out that they have a problem when they have cirrhosis and are seriously ill.
Adults can find out more about risk factors using our free and confidential online screener.
Getting help
If you, or someone you care for might be at risk of viral hepatitis ask your GP for a test. Adults who live in England can get a free home test for hepatitis C.
Making changes to look after the liver can be hard. But getting help can make it more likely to work.
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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