Hepatitis is most often caused by a virus which inflames the liver. It can disappear without treatment or progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Physically, you may experience abdominal pain, jaundice, fatigue, vomiting, or dark urine. However, it is common for these symptoms not to appear until late stages of the disease. Irreversible damage can occur before hepatitis is detected through symptoms.

Hepatitis can be diagnosed through a physical exam, blood sample, or tissue sample among other methods. Consult your doctor if you suspect you have hepatitis.

These are the three main types of hepatitis and their common methods of contraction.

• Hepatitis A is contracted through the ingestion of small fecal particles. Poor hygiene conditions and food and water contamination are the main causes.
• Hepatitis B is contracted through blood and sexual fluid contact. Needle sharing and unprotected sex are the most common ways it is transmitted. Health care workers and babies born to infected mothers are also at risk.
• Hepatitis C is also contracted through blood and sexual fluids. The most common way that it's transmitted is through sharing needles to inject drugs, unhygienic blood transfusions or tattoos. Unprotected sex is also a possible way to transmit, but it is less common.

Hepatitis A and B usually clear up on their own after 2 to 6 months. There is usually no liver damage, but it is possible.

Hepatitis C often leads to liver damage and disease if left untreated.

Hepatitis can be diagnosed through a physical exam, blood sample, or tissue sample among other methods. Consult your doctor if you suspect you have hepatitis.