Hepatitis: a clinical perspective in internal medicine

Abstract

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver with diverse infectious and non-infectious etiologies, representing a major cause of acute and chronic liver disease worldwide. It encompasses a broad clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic biochemical abnormalities to fulminant hepatic failure, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Viral hepatitis remains the most common cause globally, while alcohol, drugs, autoimmune mechanisms, and metabolic disorders contribute significantly to disease burden. Early recognition, accurate etiological classification, and timely intervention are essential to prevent progression and complications. This article highlights the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and management principles of hepatitis from an internal medicine perspective