<P> Acute cases of hepatitis are seen to be resolved well within a six - month period . When hepatitis is continued for more than six months it is termed chronic hepatitis . Chronic hepatitis is often asymptomatic early in its course and is detected only by liver laboratory studies for screening purposes or to evaluate non-specific symptoms . As the inflammation progresses, patients can develop constitutional symptoms similar to acute hepatitis, including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, and joint pain . Jaundice can occur as well, but much later in the disease process and is typically a sign of advanced disease . Chronic hepatitis interferes with hormonal functions of the liver which can result in acne, hirsutism (abnormal hair growth), and amenorrhea (lack of menstrual period) in women . Extensive damage and scarring of the liver over time defines cirrhosis, a condition in which the liver's ability to function is permanently impeded . This results in jaundice, weight loss, coagulopathy, ascites (abdominal fluid collection), and peripheral edema (leg swelling). Cirrhosis can lead to other life - threatening complications such as hepatic encephalopathy, esophageal varices, hepatorenal syndrome, and liver cancer . </P> <P> Causes of hepatitis can be divided into the following major categories: infectious, metabolic, ischemic, autoimmune, genetic, and other . Infectious agents include viruses, bacteria, and parasites . Toxins, drugs, alcohol, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are metabolic causes of liver injury and inflammation . Autoimmune and genetic causes of hepatitis involve genetic predispositions and tend to affect characteristic populations . </P> <P> Viral hepatitis is the most common type of hepatitis worldwide . Viral hepatitis is caused by five different viruses (hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E). Hepatitis A and hepatitis E behave similarly: they are both transmitted by the fecal--oral route, are more common in developing countries, and are self - limiting illnesses that do not lead to chronic hepatitis . </P> <P> Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis D are transmitted when blood or mucous membranes are exposed to infected blood and body fluids, such as semen and vaginal secretions . Viral particles have also been found in saliva and breastmilk . However, kissing, sharing utensils, and breastfeeding do not lead to transmission unless these fluids are introduced into open sores or cuts . </P>

Hepatitis is a disease caused by which pathogen