What is hepatitis primarily described as?

Hepatitis is primarily characterized as inflammation of the liver. This condition can arise due to various factors, including viral infections, alcohol use, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications. The inflammation can lead to symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and liver dysfunction. Understanding that hepatitis is specifically an inflammatory process is crucial for identifying its implications on liver health and recognizing the need for medical intervention and management.

The other options do not accurately describe hepatitis: increased bile production refers to a different physiological process, excess fat accumulation pertains to fatty liver disease, and a viral infection of the kidney does not relate to hepatitis at all, which specifically involves the liver. This distinction is important for both diagnosis and treatment planning for patients affected by liver inflammation.