What does hepatitis primarily refer to?

Hepatitis primarily refers to an inflammation of the liver. This condition can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases. The liver plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including metabolizing nutrients and detoxifying harmful substances. When inflammation occurs, it can hinder the liver's ability to function properly, leading to a range of symptoms and potential complications.

The other options describe conditions affecting different organs or systems. Food poisoning involves the ingestion of contaminated food and typically affects the gastrointestinal tract. A viral infection of the stomach would pertain to conditions such as viral gastroenteritis, and bacterial infections of the intestines, such as those caused by salmonella or E. coli, do not relate to liver inflammation. Understanding the specific context of hepatitis as liver inflammation highlights the unique characteristics and health implications associated with this condition.