Autoimmune Hepatitis FAQs

The immune system in a healthy body works as a defensive shield. Imagine your body as a computer. The immune system would be the firewall and the security system to defend your body against any outside attackers. This is how a normal immune system functions. But sometimes things go wrong and the immune system begins to attack its own body. In the case of autoimmune hepatitis the white blood cells that make up your immune system begin systematically attacking the liver. Is that a good thing? No, it is a very bad thing because each attack damages your liver more. There are many variations of hepatitis but this is one form that comes not from an outside source but from an internal one. In this article you will learn the basics of autoimmune hepatitis and how it can affect your body, mind and spirit. It is not an easy disease to have and it can have severe complications that could endanger your life.

What is autoimmune hepatitis?

Autoimmune hepatitis is a form of autoimmune disease where the immune system begins to attack the liver. Each attack damages the liver and leads to scarring. This scarring is called cirrhosis. As the liver is attacked by the immune system it is unable to function as it normally would. Over a period of time the liver can stop working entirely, leaving the body without its main cleansing system. Toxins begin to pile up in the body and it can lead to fatality. Your liver is a very important organ and you cannot live without it. As you can see that is why autoimmune hepatitis is taken so seriously. Hepatitis, in any form, is one to be concerned with but to have your own body attacking your liver is an entirely different aspect to be worried with.

Are there side effects to some of the medications used to treat autoimmune hepatitis?

As with any medication there are possible side effects that you have to monitor. Prednisone can cause weight gain, anxiety, confusion, high blood pressure and can cause glaucoma. It is important to always notify your doctor of any unusual side effects that are taking place while you are taking the medication. Azathioprine can cause nausea and can have allergic reactions and even an inflammation of the pancreas gland. You can also experience severe stomach pain. Just as with prednisone you have to always tell your physician of any side effects that are happening.

Will autoimmune hepatitis get worse without treatments?

Autoimmune hepatitis is not a disease to trifle with. Without the necessary medical intervention and treatments it can get worse leading to cirrhosis of the liver and even death. Your liver is extremely important to your body. In some cases patients have needed liver transplants. If you suspect that you have hepatitis, in any form, it is imperative that you contact your physician as soon as possible. With the right treatment methods you can lead a normal, healthy life. But the key is carefully monitoring the disease and following your physician's recommended medications and guidelines.

If medications do not work, what is the next step in treatment?

If the standard medications are not working then your physician may recommend that you try other immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine, mycophenylate mofetil or tacrolimus. For those patients at end-stage liver disease, otherwise known as liver failure, a transplant may be the only option available. Transplant operations are not what they used to be. There is a much higher survival rate and long term outlook for transplant patients than in the past.

More about autoimmune hepatitis

Fatty Liver Disease

Most patients with fatty liver disease are middle-aged and overweight. The best way to reduce your risk of developing fatty liver is to maintain a healthy weight and normal triglyceride levels.