Overview of hepatitis

[Britney]

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver.
(See also Overview of Acute Viral Hepatitis and Overview of Chronic Hepatitis.)
Hepatitis is common throughout the world.
Hepatitis can be

Acute (short-lived)
Chronic (lasting at least 6 months)

Most cases of acute hepatitis caused by a virus (acute viral hepatitis) resolve on their own, but some progress to chronic hepatitis.