Overview of chronic hepatitis

[Sommer]

Chronic hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that lasts at least 6 months.

Common causes include hepatitis B and C viruses and certain drugs.
Most people have no symptoms, but some have vague symptoms, such as a general feeling of illness, poor appetite, and fatigue.
Chronic hepatitis can progress to cirrhosis and ultimately liver cancer and/or liver failure.
A biopsy is sometimes done to confirm the diagnosis, but chronic hepatitis is usually diagnosed based on blood test results.
Drugs, such as antiviral drugs or corticosteroids, may be used, and for advanced disease, liver transplantation may be needed.

(See also Overview of Hepatitis, Hepatitis B, Chronic, and Hepatitis C, Chronic.)
Chronic hepatitis, although much less common than acute viral hepatitis, can persist for years, even decades. In many people, it is quite mild and does not cause significant liver damage. However, in some people, continued inflammation slowly damages the liver, eventually resulting in cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver), liver failure, and sometimes liver cancer.