What does hepatitis refer to?

Hepatitis specifically refers to the inflammation of the liver. This condition can be caused by various factors, including viral infections (such as hepatitis A, B, C), excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases. When the liver becomes inflamed, its ability to function properly can be compromised, potentially leading to a range of health issues, such as jaundice, fatigue, and long-term liver damage. Understanding this term is critical for medical professionals as it helps in identifying, diagnosing, and managing related conditions effectively.

The other options describe different medical issues: a viral infection of the intestines refers to gastrointestinal infections; an allergic reaction involves the immune system responding to harmless substances as if they were harmful; and infection of the bloodstream typically indicates conditions like sepsis. Each of these conditions has distinct causes and implications, but they do not pertain to hepatitis, which is specifically related to liver inflammation.