Chronic hepatitis

For a lay person:

Chronic hepatitis is long-lasting inflammation of the liver, most often caused by hepatitis B or C viruses, alcohol, fatty liver or autoimmune disease. It may cause tiredness and vague symptoms for years and can lead to scarring (cirrhosis) if untreated.

For a trained medical person:

Persistent hepatic inflammation for over six months, of viral, autoimmune, metabolic or toxic cause. Workup includes liver enzymes, viral serology, autoimmune markers and fibrosis assessment. Antivirals cure hepatitis C and suppress hepatitis B; autoimmune hepatitis is treated with immunosuppression.

In Chinese medicine:

Flaws and Sionneau's textbook differentiates this condition into these patterns: Liver Qi Stagnation; Liver-Spleen Disharmony; Damp-Heat Invading the Spleen; Damp-Heat in the Liver; Damp heat transforming into fire and brewing toxins; Damp heat harassing the constructive and blood; Phlegm nodulation; Blood Stasis; Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency; Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency; Cold dampness brewing internally. Treatment follows the pattern a patient presents with, not the Western diagnosis alone.

When to get help: Herbal medicines can themselves injure the liver; anyone with liver disease should take herbs only with their doctor's knowledge and with liver tests monitored.