What is the medical term used to describe inflammation of the liver?

The term used to describe inflammation of the liver is hepatitis. This condition can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption, toxins, or autoimmune diseases. Hepatitis manifests with symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and nausea, and can range from mild, self-limiting cases to severe and chronic forms that can lead to liver damage.

In contrast, cirrhosis refers to the late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases, including hepatitis. Hepatomegaly indicates an enlarged liver, which can arise from various liver conditions, including hepatitis but does not specifically describe inflammation. Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder and is unrelated to liver inflammation. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurately recognizing and treating liver-related conditions.