What is hepatitis primarily characterized by?

Hepatitis is primarily characterized by inflammation of the liver. This inflammation can be caused by various factors, including viral infections (such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E), alcohol consumption, toxins, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases. The inflammation leads to the liver becoming swollen and can impair its function, affecting processes such as detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of biochemicals necessary for digestion.

Understanding that hepatitis directly involves the liver helps clarify the significance of this condition in the context of overall health, as the liver plays a crucial role in many bodily functions. The other conditions associated with the alternatives listed, such as infection of the stomach or damage to the pancreas and swelling of the kidneys, involve different organs and processes not related to hepatitis.