Hepatitis implies injury to the liver characterized by the presence of inflammatory cells in the tissue of the organ. The name is from ancient Greek hepar, meaning liver, and suffix -itis, meaning "inflammation" .
The condition can be self-limiting, healing on its own, or can progress to scarring of the liver. A group of viruses known as the hepatitis viruses cause most cases of liver damage worldwide.

Hepatitis can also be due to toxins (notably alcohol) and other infections or from autoimmune process. It may run a subclinical course when the affected person may not feel ill. The patient becomes unwell and symptomatic when the disease impairs liver functions that include, among other things, removal of harmful substances, regulation of blood composition, and production of bile to help digestion.

Acute hepatitis
Clinically, the course of acute hepatitis varies widely from mild symptoms requiring no treatment to liver failure requiring a transplant. Acute viral hepatitis is more likely to not show symptoms (Asymptomatic) in younger people. Symptomatic individuals may present after convalescent stage of 7 to 10 days, with the total illness lasting 2 to 6 weeks. Initial features are of nonspecific flu-like symptoms, common to almost all acute viral infections and may include malaise, muscle and joint aches, fever, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and headache.
More specific symptoms, which can be present in acute hepatitis from any cause, are: profound loss of appetite, aversion to smoking among smokers, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes and skin (i.e., jaundice) and abdominal discomfort.
Physical findings are usually minimal, apart from jaundice (33%).
Chronic Hepatitis
Features may be related to the extent of liver damage or the cause of hepatitis. Many experience return of symptoms related to acute hepatitis. Jaundice can be a late feature and may indicate extensive damage. Other features include abdominal fullness from enlarged liver or spleen, low grade fever and fluid retention. Extensive damage and scarring of liver (i.e., cirrhosis) leads to weight loss, easy bruising and bleeding tendencies. Acne, abnormal menstruation, lung scarring, inflammation of the thyroid gland and kidneys may be present in women with autoimmune hepatitis.

jaundice

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Bloodborne Pathogens

Hepatitis

Signs and symptoms