Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-04-06
Hepatitis, which refers to inflammation of the liver, is categorized primarily by its etiology—such as viral, autoimmune, alcoholic, or toxic—rather than by a single synonymous name. Understanding the Terminology Because Hepatitis is a clinical description of liver inflammation rather than a single disease entity, it is most commonly categorized by its specific viral strain (e.g., Hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E). Historically, older medical literature may refer to these conditions by outdated terms such as "infectious jaundice" or "serum hepatitis." In some regions, particularly in older clinical texts, you might encounter the term "catarrhal jaundice," which was once used to describe what we now identify as viral Hepatitis. Classification Systems and Nomenclature In official medical coding, Hepatitis is classified under the ICD-10 and ICD-11 systems, which break the condition down by cause (e.g., B15 for Hepatitis A, B16 for Hepatitis B).
Hepatitis synonyms
Other names for Hepatitis: synonyms, acronyms and related terms used by doctors and patients.
Hepatitis, which refers to inflammation of the liver, is categorized primarily by its etiology—such as viral, autoimmune, alcoholic, or toxic—rather than by a single synonymous name.
Understanding the Terminology
Because Hepatitis is a clinical description of liver inflammation rather than a single disease entity, it is most commonly categorized by its specific viral strain (e.g., Hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E). Historically, older medical literature may refer to these conditions by outdated terms such as "infectious jaundice" or "serum hepatitis." In some regions, particularly in older clinical texts, you might encounter the term "catarrhal jaundice," which was once used to describe what we now identify as viral Hepatitis.
Classification Systems and Nomenclature
In official medical coding, Hepatitis is classified under the ICD-10 and ICD-11 systems, which break the condition down by cause (e.g., B15 for Hepatitis A, B16 for Hepatitis B). The OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man) database focuses on the genetic predispositions to specific types of Hepatitis, such as autoimmune variants. Orphanet catalogs these under various codes depending on whether the inflammation is acute, chronic, or associated with metabolic disorders.
Why Multiple Names Exist
The naming of Hepatitis has evolved alongside our understanding of liver pathology. Before virological testing became standard in the 20th century, clinicians often named these conditions based on how they were acquired (e.g., "serum" vs. "infectious"). Today, medical professionals prefer specific terminology that identifies the underlying cause, such as "HCV-related chronic liver disease" or "Autoimmune Hepatitis," as this is essential for determining the correct therapeutic pathway.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
- Orphanet: The portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs
- World Health Organization (WHO): International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11)
- OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man)
