Categories: Liver

Autoimmune hepatitis is an uncommon cause of persistent liver inflammation

When the body’s immune system turns against the liver cells, this condition is called as autoimmune hepatitis. The exact causes of autoimmune hepatitis are unclear, however the genetic and environmental factors are considered are majorly responsible for this condition. The autoimmune hepatitis may lead to scarring of the liver and finally its failure. There are two main forms of autoimmune hepatitis. Type 1 is the most common form of autoimmune hepatitis, may occur at any age, and goes with other autoimmune disorders like celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis or ulcerative colitis. Type 2 is common in children and young people.

CAUSES

The body’s immune system fights and neutralizes the virus, bacteria and pathogens that enter the body. During certain conditions, the auto-immune system triggers off to attack the liver causing damage to it, and leading to liver failure.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis include, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, yellowish skin, enlarged liver, abnormal blood vessels, skin rashes, joint pains and loss of menstruation.

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

The children of patients with autoimmune hepatitis are at increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases. If left untreated, the complications include, liver failure, scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), liver cancer, increased blood pressure in the portal vein that supplies blood to the liver, enlarged veins in your stomach and esophagus, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites).

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

On observing the symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis, the doctor may recommend for proper diagnosis. The blood test helps to rule-out viral hepatitis, determine the type of AIH, and check the condition of liver. Blood tests also help to know about the condition of anti-bodies in the blood that includes anti-smooth muscle antibody, anti-liver kidney microsome Type 1 antibody and anti-nuclear antibody. Blood tests also measure the amount of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in the blood. As part of advanced diagnosis, the doctor may also recommend a liver biopsy.

TREATMENTS AND DRUGS

The treatment process depends on the stage of the autoimmune hepatitis condition. In addition to drugs, the doctor may advise for liver transplant surgery, in which the patient’s liver is replaced with a donor organ.

Read more about symptoms, causes and treatment of different types of liver diseases.

Yashoda Hospitals

View Comments

  • I?m impressed, I must say. Really rarely do I encounter a blog that?s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. Your idea is outstanding; the issue is something that not enough people are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this in my search for something relating to this.

    • Thank you, Mr. Meta Stallsworth. We are glad you found it useful. Stay with us for more health feed.

Recent Posts

కళ్లకలక (కంజెక్టివైటీస్‌): రకాలు, లక్షణాలు మరియు నివారణ చర్యలు

దగ్గు, జలుబు మాదిరి సీజనల్‌గా వర్షాకాలంలో వచ్చే సాధారణ వ్యాధుల్లో కళ్లకలక ఒకటి. కళ్లకలక సమస్య స్టాఫిలోకాకల్‌ బ్యాక్టీరియాల ద్వారా…

2 days ago

థైరాయిడ్ వ్యాధి: రకాలు, లక్షణాలు, కారణాలు & నియంత్రణ చర్యలు

థైరాయిడ్ గ్రంథి అనేది మెడ మధ్య స్వరపేటిక క్రింద భాగాన, కాలర్ ఎముక పైన సీతాకోక చిలుకను పోలిన ఆకారంలో…

6 days ago

హెపటైటిస్‌: రకాలు, లక్షణాలు మరియు నివారణ చర్యలు

మన శరీరంలో కాలేయం అనేది చాలా ముఖ్యమైన అవయవం. ఇది శరీరానికి అవసరమైన రసాయనాలను సరఫరా చేసే ప్రయోగశాలగా (రక్తాన్ని…

2 weeks ago

Demystifying Hysteroscopy: A Guide to this Vital Gynecological Procedure

Hysteroscopy has emerged as a valuable solution to various gynecological issues, offering both diagnostic and…

2 weeks ago

Endometriosis Surgery: Your Complete Guide to Treatment, Recovery, and Pain-Free Future

Endometriosis is a medical condition characterized by the growth of tissue similar to the lining…

4 weeks ago

కొలనోస్కోపీ ఎందుకు & ఎవరికి చేస్తారు? చికిత్స విధానాలు మరియు ప్రయోజనాలు

పెద్ద ప్రేగు అనేది జీర్ణవ్యవస్థలో ఒక ప్రధాన భాగం. ఇది శరీరంలో చాలా ముఖ్యమైన విధులు నిర్వహిస్తుంది. ఇది ఆహారంలోని…

1 month ago