Autoimmune Hepatitis
Definition
What is autoimmune hepatitis?
Autoimmune hepatitisis a chronic disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks liver cells. This causes hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver.
This is a serious illness that can lead to cirrhosis (hardening) and liver failure if not treated properly. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that is not contagious and cannot be prevented.
How common is autoimmune hepatitis?
Anyone can get autoimmune hepatitis, but women have a higher risk. The reason is, 70% of affected patients are women, many of whom are aged 15-40 years. You can reduce your risk of developing this disease by reducing risk factors. Consult your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis?
This condition causes different symptoms in each person. However, fatigue is the most common symptom. Other symptoms may include:
- joint pain
- nausea
- thick yellow urine
- pale stools
- jaundice (yellow skin)
- swelling of the liver (hepatomegaly) which causes a feeling of discomfort.
These symptoms can range from mild to severe. In some cases, patients do not see any symptoms when they see a doctor, and then symptoms begin to show.
People with advanced disease may have symptoms such as mental confusion. At this point, the patient may also have symptoms of liver failure or cirrhosis.
There may be symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone’s body works in different ways. It is better to discuss with your doctor the solution to your condition.
Cause
What causes autoimmune hepatitis?
The cause of autoimmune hepatitis is because the patient’s immune system is unable to distinguish between healthy and dangerous body tissues. Until now, scientists have not found a definite answer to this health condition, which may be caused by genetic factors or impacts from the environment.
What can trigger or make autoimmune hepatitis worse?
Some of the factors that can trigger or worsen autoimmune hepatitis are
- Ignore the side effects of drugs, such as:
- Loss of weight
- Worry
- Confusion
- Thinning of hair and skin
- Hypertension
- Myopic vision
- Eating alcoholl in large quantities can damage the liver.
- Ignore any abnormal symptoms or signs of disease.
- Do not consult a doctor from the start when symptoms start.
- Do not want to cooperate with a doctor’s medication, such as: not taking medicine according to instructions; not following your doctor’s schedule, or disagreeing with therapy.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for autoimmune hepatitis?
There are many factors that can increase your risk of autoimmune hepatitis, including:
- Gender: although both men and women can be affected by this condition, it is more common in women.
- A history of certain infections: this condition that affects the liver can develop after a bacterial or viral infection.
- Use of certain drugs such as minocucline antibiotics (Dynacyn, Minocin, etc.). Cholesterol drugs atorvastatin (Lipitor) has been linked to the cause of this condition
- Heredity: evidence suggests that the tendency for autoimmune hepatitis runs in families.
- Have an autoimmune disease. People with autoimmune diseases are more likely to get it.
Drugs & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for autoimmune hepatitis?
The main treatment is with drugs corticosteroids to slow down an overactive immune system.
This disease with the right treatment will go into a period of remission in many people, but it may happen again. In some cases, lifelong treatment may be required.
People who do not respond to standard therapy or who have severe side effects may be helped by other immunosuppressive drugs such as Azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran) and 6-mercaptopurine.
People with liver failure may need a liver transplant, a promising treatment with a 5-year survival rate of 70-80%.
What are the usual tests for autoimmune hepatitis?
The doctor will make a diagnosis based on:
- Certain symptoms and tests of liver function
- Ultrasound or CT scan of the liver to rule out other causes.
- Liver biopsy
Blood tests for liver enzymes and autoantibodies are also needed. Other tests can also help differentiate autoimmune hepatitis from viral hepatitis (A, B, or C) or metabolic disorders.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat autoimmune hepatitis?
The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you deal with conditions that attack liver cells:
- Schedule your appointments with your doctor to keep abreast of your symptoms and health condition.
- Follow the doctor’s recommendations, do not take drugs without the doctor’s approval or stop taking prescribed medicines.
- Avoid alcohol, as alcoholic drinks are very damaging to the liver.
- Have a healthy diet, regular exercise, and rest to feel better.
Remember that it is important to monitor your condition. If you have new symptoms or if the symptoms do not improve, contact your doctor immediately.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
