One general symptom is yellowing of the skin and eyes known as jaundice. This happens when bile, a substance produced by the liver, becomes backed up into the blood instead of being excreted into the gastrointestinal track. Other symptoms that are associated with viral causes of hepatitis are discussed later in this publication. Recovery from chemical hepatitis depends on the amount and the length of exposure to a particular toxin. Drugs, like chemical toxins, are cleared through the liver and can also cause hepatitis.
Alcoholic hepatitis is the most common type of drug induced hepatitis.
Individuals with chronic illnesses who must take lots of medications can experience hepatitis and must be monitored by their doctor. There are many viruses that can cause hepatitis these include A, B, C, D, E and G viruses. Other viruses are suspected to cause hepatitis but have not yet been named. Symptoms range from mild and inapparent to severe and sometimes fatal. Travelers who visit countries without adequate sewage treatment facilities are susceptible to infection.