Autoimmune hepatitis (patient information)
|
Autoimmune hepatitis |
|
Autoimmune hepatitis On the Web |
|---|
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Manpreet Kaur, MD [2]
Overview
Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic—or long-lasting disease in which the body's immune system attacks the normal components, or cells, of the liver and causes inflammation and liver damage. The immune system normally protects people from infection by identifying and destroying bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful foreign substances. Autoimmune hepatitis is a serious condition that may worsen over time if not treated. Autoimmune hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. Cirrhosis occurs when scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue and blocks the normal flow of blood through the liver. Liver failure occurs when the liver stops working properly
What are the symptoms of Autoimmune hepatitis?
The most common symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis are:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Pain or discomfort over the liver
- Skin Rashes
- Dark yellow urine
- Light-colored stools
- Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis range from mild to severe. Some people may feel as if they have a mild case of the flu. Others may have no symptoms when a health care provider diagnoses the disease; however, they can develop symptoms later.
What are the causes?
A combination of autoimmunity, environmental triggers, and a genetic predisposition can lead to autoimmune hepatitis.