Which term describes inflammation of the liver, commonly caused by viruses such as A, B, or C, or by drugs or alcohol?

Which term describes inflammation of the liver, commonly caused by viruses such as A, B, or C, or by drugs or alcohol?

• A. Hemorrhoids
• B. Hepatitis
• C. IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
• D. Peptic ulcer

Answer: (B)

Inflammation of the liver is described by the term hepatitis. The word combines hepat-, meaning liver, with -itis, meaning inflammation, so it literally denotes liver inflammation. It’s commonly caused by viruses such as hepatitis A, B, and C, and can also result from drugs or excessive alcohol use, among other factors. Clinically, hepatitis may present with jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, fatigue, and right upper abdominal pain, along with elevated liver enzymes. The other options don’t describe liver inflammation: hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal area; irritable bowel syndrome involves abdominal pain and altered bowel habits without liver inflammation; a peptic ulcer is an erosion of the stomach or duodenal lining, not the liver.

Inflammation of the liver is described by the term hepatitis. The word combines hepat-, meaning liver, with -itis, meaning inflammation, so it literally denotes liver inflammation. It’s commonly caused by viruses such as hepatitis A, B, and C, and can also result from drugs or excessive alcohol use, among other factors. Clinically, hepatitis may present with jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, fatigue, and right upper abdominal pain, along with elevated liver enzymes.

The other options don’t describe liver inflammation: hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal area; irritable bowel syndrome involves abdominal pain and altered bowel habits without liver inflammation; a peptic ulcer is an erosion of the stomach or duodenal lining, not the liver.