Autoimmune hepatitis & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is autoimmune hepatitis?

Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic disease in which the body's immune system attacks liver cells. This causes hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver (swelling).

Autoimmune hepatitis is a serious disease that can lead to cirrhosis (hardening) and liver failure if not treated properly. Autoimmune hepatitis is not contagious and cannot be prevented.

How common is autoimmune hepatitis?

Anyone can get autoimmune hepatitis, but women have a higher risk. About 70% of autoimmune hepatitis patients are women, many between the ages of 15-40 years. You can reduce your risk of developing autoimmune hepatitis by reducing risk factors. Consult your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis?

Autoimmune hepatitis can cause different symptoms in different people. However, fatigue is the most common symptom. Other symptoms may include:

• Joint pain
• Nausea
• Dark yellow urine
• Pale stool
• Jaundis (yellow skin)
• Swelling of the liver (hepatomegaly) which causes a feeling of discomfort

Symptoms 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 fluid in the abdomen (ascites) and 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?

Several factors that can trigger or worsen autoimmune hepatitis include:

• Ignore the side effects of drugs, such as:
• Loss of weight
• Worry
• Confusion
• Thinning of hair and skin
• Hypertension
• Myopic vision
• Drinking alcohol. Consuming large amounts of alcohol 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 get autoimmune hepatitis, it is more common in women
• A history of certain infections: autoimmune hepatitis can develop after a bacterial or viral infection
• Use of certain drugs such as minocucline antibiotics (Dynacyn, Minocin, etc.). The cholesterol drug atorvastatin (Lipitor) has been linked to the cause of autoimmune hepatitis
• Heredity: evidence suggests that the tendency for autoimmune hepatitis runs in families
• Have an autoimmune disease. People with autoimmune diseases are more likely to develop autoimmune hepatitis

Medicines & 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 for both types is with drugs (corticosteroids called prednisone) 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:

• Symptoms and tests
• Ultrasound or CT scan of the liver to rule out other causes.
• Liver biopsy

Blood tests for liver enzymes and autoantibodies are also needed. The tests also help differentiate autoimmune hepatitis from hepatitis from viruses (hepatitis A, B, or C) or metabolic diseases. The doctor will make a diagnosis based on:

• Symptoms and tests;
• Ultrasound or CT scan of the liver to rule out other causes.
• Liver biopsy

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 autoimmune hepatitis:

• Schedule your appointments with the 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
• Get 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 for the best solution to your problem.