Hepatitis Causes & Diagnosis Hepatitis Guide Hepatitis Guide Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Coping Causes and Risk Factors of Hepatitis By Robyn Correll, MPH twitter linkedin Robyn Correll, MPH holds a master of public health degree and has over a decade of experience working in the prevention of infectious diseases. Learn about our editorial process Robyn Correll, MPH Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH on January 10, 2020 linkedin Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH, is board-certified in gastroentrology. He is the vice chair for ambulatory services for the department of medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. Learn about our Medical Review Board Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH on January 10, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Common Causes Lifestyle Risk Factors Next in Hepatitis Guide How Hepatitis Is Diagnosed Several things can cause hepatitis, including microbes, harmful substances, and medical conditions. The most common form of hepatitis is viral hepatitis, brought on by viruses hepatitis B and C. Other causes of hepatitis include toxic substances (ex. alcohol or drugs) and autoimmune diseases. 2:54 The Five Types of Viral Hepatitis Common Causes While hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis, certain medical conditions, medications or drugs can lead someone to develop it, too. Viral Hepatitis Viral hepatitis is the most common type of hepatitis, and it’s primarily caused by five viruses: hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. All of these viruses can affect the liver, but some are more serious than others, and they can be spread in different ways. Hepatitis A Virus: People become infected with hepatitis A virus (HAV) when they come into contact with food or water contaminated with the virus, or by engaging in certain types of sexual activity. While HAV infections can be serious, most cases clear up on their own.Hepatitis B Virus: Type B (HBV) spreads through bodily fluids like blood or semen. As a result, most new infections happen because of sexual contact or sharing needles, though moms can also pass on the virus to their baby during childbirth. Those with HBV infections don’t always have symptoms, and some can go on to have lifelong infections that lead to serious health conditions like liver cancer. Chronic infections are more common in young infants. Approximately 90 percent of infants with HBV develop chronic infections, compared to roughly 5 percent of infected adults.Hepatitis C Virus: While some hepatitis C (HCV) infections are only temporary (or “acute”), the majority (75 percent to 85 percent) of people with acute hepatitis C will develop chronic hepatitis C. Like HBV, HCV can be spread by contaminated needles used by drug users or in health care settings, from mother to child during birth or, less commonly, through sexual contact or other activities. Hepatitis D Virus: Commonly referred to as “delta hepatitis,” type D (HDV) is spread through contact with infected person’s blood or other body fluids. It can only infect you when you also have HBV.Hepatitis E Virus: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is similar to HAV in that it is spread through contaminated food or water (often because of poor sanitation). It is more common in developing countries, where access to clean water is limited. While experts used to think hepatitis E was rare in the United States, recent research suggests that about 20 percent of the population has had hepatitis E. Among these viruses, HBV and HCV are the most common causes of chronic infections and the most likely to cause severe liver damage. Some researchers think other viruses (not listed above) might also cause hepatitis, but so far no more microbes have been clearly linked to the condition. Carol Yepes / Getty Images Toxic Hepatitis Toxic hepatitis is when substances damage the liver and cause it to swell. The primary drivers behind toxic hepatitis are alcohol, toxic chemicals, and certain medications. Alcohol: Alcohol’s damaging impact on the liver is well documented, and hepatitis is just one of many harmful conditions that can come as a result of long-term or heavy drinking. Chemicals: Repeated or excessive exposure to toxic chemicals like solvents or other organic chemicals can lead to toxic hepatitis, whether it be by ingesting, touching or breathing in the substances. Drugs: Some over-the-counter and prescription medications can cause toxic hepatitis, including: AmiodaroneAmoxicillin-clavulanateAnabolic steroidsBirth control medicationsChlorpromazineErythromycinHalothaneIsoniazidMethyldopaMethotrexateNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)StatinsSulfa drugsTetracyclinesSome anti-seizure medications In some cases, use of the above medications (especially in high doses) might trigger hepatitis in people who are already susceptible, such as those infected with hepatitis viruses or those with autoimmune conditions affecting the liver. It’s important to note that most people can safely take medications in a wide range of doses under doctor supervision without ever developing hepatitis. Autoimmune Hepatitis Autoimmune hepatitis is when your own body’s defenses attack your liver, causing it to swell and become damaged. It’s unclear exactly what causes autoimmune hepatitis, but researchers think both genes and environmental factors (like medications or viruses) could play a role. Approximately 70 percent of people with autoimmune hepatitis are women, typically between the ages of 15 and 40. Many people with this disease also have other autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, thyroiditis, ulcerative colitis, vitiligo, or Sjogren’s syndrome. Lifestyle Risk Factors Some things can increase your chances of developing hepatitis, including certain environmental factors, behaviors or health issues. Julie Bang / Verywell Environmental Risk Factors Because many causes of hepatitis are found in a person’s surroundings, exposure to certain environmental factors can make you more likely to develop hepatitis over time. Environmental risk factors associated with hepatitis include: Unsafe water for drinking or washing produceA lack of sanitation services like bathrooms or places to wash handsContact with used needles, syringes, or other objects that might be contaminated with blood infected with hepatitis viruses Behavioral Risk Factors Likewise, some behaviors or activities can make it more likely you’ll be exposed to viruses, toxic chemicals or substances that cause hepatitis. Behaviors that increase a person’s chances of developing hepatitis include: Sharing needles or other objects that might be contaminated with hepatitis virusesEngaging in unsafe sexual contact, such as not using a condom during sex, having rough sex, or having multiple sexual partnersWorking around toxic chemicals. Examples of occupations routinely exposed to such chemicals include dry cleaners, painters, health care providers or farm workers.Drinking untreated water or eating food that has not been safely or properly prepared (ex. unwashed produce)Drinking large quantities of alcohol, over a long period of timeTaking medications believed to be linked to hepatitis Health Risk Factors A person’s health history might also affect the chances he or she will develop hepatitis. Health risk factors for hepatitis include: Not being vaccinated against viral hepatitis, specifically HAV and HBVHaving an acute or chronic infection with one or more hepatitis virusesHaving an autoimmune disorder, such as autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy (APECE) Being born to a mother who is infected with a hepatitis virus, particularly hepatitis B If you have questions or concerns about your risk for hepatitis (especially regarding your vaccination history or medications you’re taking), talk to your doctor during your next checkup or clinic visit. Your physician will be able to discuss with you the specific steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing hepatitis or other liver conditions. How Hepatitis Is Diagnosed Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. What Is Viral Hepatitis? National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hepatitis B National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hepatitis C National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hepatitis E U.S. National Library of Medicine. Medline Plus. Drug-induced liver injury American Liver Foundation. Autoimmune Hepatitis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is Viral Hepatitis? Additional Reading Drug-induced liver injury: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000226.htm. Symptoms & causes of autoimmune hepatitis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/autoimmune-hepatitis/symptoms-causes. Published May 1, 2018. Toxic Hepatitis. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17915-toxic-hepatitis. What is hepatitis? World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/features/qa/76/en/. Published October 9, 2018. What Is Viral Hepatitis? National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/viral-hepatitis/what-is-viral-hepatitis. Published May 1, 2017.