hepatitis
noun
also hepatitises
ˌhe-pə-ˈtī-tə-səz
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The liver, the body's largest gland, performs many important tasks, but is also vulnerable to many illnesses. At least five types of hepatitis, labeled with the letters A–E, are caused by viruses. The most common are hepatitis A, acquired through contaminated food and water; hepatitis B, which usually travels via sexual activity or shared needles; and hepatitis C, generally passed through shared needles. Some other types, including alcoholic hepatitis (caused by drinking too much alcohol), aren't infectious. There are vaccines for types A and B, and drug treatments for A, B, and C, though the drugs aren't always effective.
Examples of hepatitis in a Sentence
Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024
All hepatitis viruses can cause serious inflammation of the liver.
—Wendy Wisner, Health, 31 Oct. 2024
Bell remembered taking calls from workers who had been poisoned by pesticides or who wanted to expose an outbreak of hepatitis at work.
—Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2024
Treatments for Viral Hepatitis Viral hepatitis is liver inflammation that develops due to an infection with different types of hepatitis viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, and C. Treatment options depend on the specific virus.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 Oct. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Hepatitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hepatitis. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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hepatitis
noun
also hepatitises
Medical Definition
hepatitis
noun
also hepatitises
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