What causes the body’s own immune system to attack the liver is not yet known. It appears that certain types of white blood cells misread liver cells as foreign substances and start attacking these cells. The type of damage that follows is known as chronic hepatitis. A number of other conditions can cause identical patterns of liver damage. These include viruses, such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C, certain types of drugs, and an overload of certain metals, such as copper and iron in the liver. There are also much rarer causes of chronic active hepatitis.

Autoimmune hepatitis is usually quite serious and, if not treated, then acute liver failure can occur. The disease is typically chronic, meaning it can last for years, and can lead to cirrhosis of the liver. Eventually, liver failure can result. It is classified as type 1 or type 2. Type 1 is the most common form in North America. About half of those with type 1 have other autoimmune disorders, such as type 1 diabetes, an inflammation of blood vessels in the kidneys, Graves’ disease and ulcerative colitis. Type 2 is less common; typically affecting girls aged 2 to 14, although adults can have it too.

Although the cause isn’t clear, the treatment seems to be effective. Some patients with very mild or inactive autoimmune hepatitis may not need any type of active treatment. When active drug treatment is needed, corticosteroids are the treatment of first choice. They are completely different from anabolic steroids used to build muscle mass. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are potent anti-inflammatory drugs that will reduce inflammation in all sites, including the liver. Approximately 90% of patients require some form of treatment to maintain remission after the steroids have reduced the initial inflammation. About 10% do not require any maintenance therapy and remain in remission with no symptoms and no active inflammation in the liver, for many years. Due to the variable intensity of the disease, even with maintenance treatment, patients may suffer from relapses of inflammation periodically. Such relapses are usually treated by a temporary course of steroids.

Any type of liver injury or disease is very serious so early diagnosis and treatment is essential. With proper treatment, autoimmune hepatitis can usually be controlled. In fact, studies show that sustained response to treatment stops the disease from getting worse and may reverse some of the damage. Some people with mild forms of the disease may not need to take medication. Doctors assess each patient individually to determine whether those with mild cases should undergo treatment.

What are the symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis?

If you believe that you have autoimmune hepatitis usually the first symptom of the disease that manifests itself is fatigue. From there you may have nausea, vomiting, dark urine, little to no appetite and jaundice. Autoimmune hepatitis can present itself in a variety of manners. You may just think that you have a common cold with muscle aches and joint pain but it could turn out to be autoimmune hepatitis. It is important to report all of your symptoms to a doctor so that they can do the appropriate tests to diagnose hepatitis.

How is autoimmune hepatitis treated?

The treatment options for autoimmune hepatitis vary depending on the severity of the disease. Some people do not have to take medications because their disease is not progressing nor is it affecting them. Others must take daily medications to suppress their immune systems to stop the disease from attacking their liver further. Treatment is usually prednisone or azathioprine. The drug prednisone is usually given in high doses during the first rounds of treatment. It is then subsequently lowered to a point that the doctor can find the lowest possible dose that will still control the disease. Seven out of ten patients will see their disease go into remission after three years of treatment. Some of these patients will be able to come off their medications but must always monitor their condition. Others will be able to switch to a very low dose of their medication.

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.

Is autoimmune hepatitis communicable?

There are some forms of hepatitis that is communicable but fortunately autoimmune hepatitis is not. You do not have to worry about catching it from someone who has the disease nor do you have to worry about transmitting the disease to someone else. If you are newly diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis the best thing you can do is to become informed. Knowledge is the best medicine for any condition.

Some doctors say the best hope for treatment is early diagnosis and then stopping the progression. Consequently, pharmaceutical companies involved in multiple sclerosis research are trying to develop medications that slow the progression of the disease and delay the onset of symptoms. It’s important to remember that developing safe treatments for multiple sclerosis has been difficult for scientists. Tysabri was pulled from the market in 2005 after three patients in clinical trials contracted a rare brain infection and two patients died. The Food and Drug Administration allowed the drug to enter the market again in 2006 under a restricted distribution system.

MRI multiple sclerosis monitoring is proving to be invaluable. Scientists are now able to see and follow the development of MS lesions in the brain and spinal cord. This is a tremendous aid in the assessment of new therapies and can speed up the process of evaluating new treatments. There are a number of treatments under investigation that may curtail attacks or improve the function of damaged nerve fibers. Over a dozen clinical trials testing potential therapies are underway, and additional new treatments are being devised and tested in animal models.

In multiple sclerosis news, the bio pharmaceutical company MediciNova Inc. has announced data from a double-blind analysis of the first year of treatment from its two-year Phase II clinical trial of MN-166 in multiple sclerosis. The second year of the Phase II clinical trial is on-going with results expected in April 2008. The analysis showed that MN-166 decreased the formation of brain lesions that are believed to indicate the death of nerves in the brain on MRI in MS patients. Treatment with a 30 mg/day dosing regimen of MN-166 showed a trend toward reduced risk of new lesion evolution to persistent black holes when compared to a placebo. This means that when diagnosed early, patients can stave off the symptoms of MS.

Multiple sclerosis research has provided MS sufferers with some relief, but we still need to find a cure. Scientists must further examine genetic and environmental factors to discover a cause of the disease. The best way that you can help is by making financial contributions to MS societies to fund research. Your dollars will help to improve the lives of millions of people around the world.

The disease multiple sclerosis attacks myelin, which is the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord, causing inflammation and often damaging the myelin in patches. When this happens, the usual flow of nerve impulses along nerve fibers is interrupted or distorted. The result may be the reason for the wide variety of MS symptoms, depending upon what part or parts of the central nervous system are affected. The damaged parts of myelin are often called “lesions” or “plaques.” There is evidence that permanent damage to nerve fibers may occur in association with the attack on myelin. The severity of MS, progression and specific symptoms cannot be predicted at the time of diagnosis. MS is three times more likely to occur in women than in men, and is seen most commonly in people of northern European background.

Multiple sclerosis patients will notice that their symptoms will reflect which part of the brain and spinal cord the disease is affecting. These symptoms could include vision impairment, bowel and bladder problems, frequent and intense pain and fatigue, problems with mood, memory and cognitive issues, and spasticity. The treatment for multiple sclerosis can minimize the impact of these symptoms and allow patients and their family to live a relatively normal life. MS treatment can have some side effects, so you should notify your doctor immediately if you experience an adverse reaction to your medication.

While there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, there are a number of effective treatment therapies. The combination of medication, therapy and counseling has proven to be extremely beneficial to people suffering from MS. However, MS is not fatal, so with medical treatment and lifestyle changes, patients can expect to live a normal or near normal life span, thanks to continuing MS research and improvements in the treatment of symptoms. Some patients choose to explore alternative methods of treatment, but there is no clinical evidence to support claims that these methods work.

Various medications have been successful in controlling the frequency and severity of MS symptoms. While there is no cure, researchers are trying to develop techniques to repair damaged myelin and nerve fibers. Scientists are also trying to understand why the immune system attacks the body’s myelin so that these attacks can be prevented. Given enough time and funding, we can expect to someday see a world without multiple sclerosis.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is a condition in which the myelin in the body is attacked by the body’s own white blood cells and antibodies. The myelin acts like a coat around the nerve. Without the myelin, the nerve is exposed and damage begins to occur to the sheath surrounding the nerve and finally the nerve itself is damaged. With damage comes scarring. The scarring prevents or slows down the body’s nerve signals that control several functions such as strength, sensation, and vision and muscle coordination.

What are the symptoms?

Most people do not suspect they have MS until the disease has progressed or has hit a rapid advancement cycle. One of the first signs may be written off as fatigue or a symptom of another problem. Even depression is ignored as a sign of Multiple Sclerosis. In some patients, especially those who have had a rapid advancement, paralysis can occur. There can also be double or blurred vision, slurred speech or even trouble swallowing. Another symptom of MS is an unsteady gait. Even doctors can miss these signs until something far more drastic occurs.

How is MS treated?

Depending on how advanced the MS is or the severity and the frequency of the attacks, will determine how the doctor will treat the MS. For those with relapsing MS there are often medications that can help slow down the advancement of the disease. These medications could be beta-interferons, the medication Copaxone or Tysabri and even some chemotherapy drugs such as Mitoxantrone. The one stipulation that a doctor must put on a patient that wants to receive these medications to slow down the progress and frequency of the attacks is that if the patient is a female, she cannot be pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Is there a cure for MS?

The sad reality is that at this present time there is no cure for Multiple Sclerosis. There are medications that can slow down the progression of the disease but even the use of these medicines cannot always stop the disease enough in some patients. For those with extensive nerve damage there is nothing doctors can do to repair the damage. Medical science, though very advanced when compared to two hundred years ago, still has boundaries that it has not been able to break. Hopefully with enough education and funding there will be a cure and people can finally be free from MS.

Are there any risk factors?

Unfortunately science and the medical community still does not know enough about Multiple Sclerosis to know how and why some people get the disease and why some do not. They do not know what causes a healthy person’s immune system to begin attacking their own body. They think that genetics does play a role but are not sure how big of a role it does play and what factors contribute to this genetic legacy or how, if at all, it will be passed down.

How can I manage my life with MS?

You will manage it the very same way you did before you found out you had Multiple Sclerosis. It does not mean the end of your life. Yes, you may have to make some adjustments but you can get through them. If you have difficulty walking because of partial paralysis you can use a wheelchair or a cane. The doctors and healthcare community can help you overcome the disabilities associated with this disease. You need to stop it, not let it stop you.

How can I help a loved one cope with MS?

The very first thing you can do is to become educated. The more you know about MS the more you can help your loved one cope with their diagnosis. It is important for you to allow them all the space they need in order to come to terms with this. It is a hard thing to hear from a doctor. Far too much misinformation was given in the past. People did not understand how they could have MS and still have a normal life. You can be there to support them, listen to them cry and help them back to their feet.

Before you speak to your doctor about multiple sclerosis treatment, prepare a list of questions beforehand and take notes about the responses. For each drug option, find out how effective it is, how it is administered and how often, and what the potential side effects are. Because MS is a chronic disease, you will need to use the medication for a long time. You should be comfortable with any multiple sclerosis therapy that you choose.

Researchers believe that damage to the brain and spinal cord may be happening early in the development stage, before the symptoms of multiple sclerosis occur. That’s why it’s important to start treatment as soon as possible. Research has shown that the progression of physical disability can be slowed if you start treatment early. Some patients choose injected therapies for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Avonex is an intramuscular injection given once a week. This form of MS treatment is used for patients in remission to slow the accumulation of physical disability and decrease the frequency attacks. Depression or feelings of sadness are a common side effect of Avonex. Rebif is another injectable treatment that is administered three times a week and includes a naturally occurring human protein. It has the same effect as Avonex. Other similar injected treatments include Betaseron and Copaxone.

Infusion therapies for symptoms of MS may be an option for patients who are having an inadequate response to their current treatment or are having issues with side effects. These medications are administered directly into the bloodstream through a vein to help stop inflammation and prevent further damage. Ask your doctor or nurse if infusion therapy may be right for you, as well what the latest infusion therapies are, and what the most important information is that you should know. In addition to medication, you may also want to consider making lifestyle changes. Diet, exercise and other changes can help you manage multiple sclerosis symptoms.

Every MS treatment has the potential for side effects. Some people experience allergic reactions, a drop in red or white blood cell levels, heart problems, changes in their thyroid function, or seizures. Some patients taking AVONEX developed severe liver injury. Your healthcare provider may ask you to have regular blood tests to make sure that your liver is working properly. If you experience any side effects to your multiple sclerosis treatment, contact your doctor immediately.

One of the treatments for Fibromyalgia Syndrome is, surprisingly, a sleeping pill! Unfortunately, Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome go together like peanut butter and jelly. Researchers point out two possible causes of the Fibromyalgia and fatigue; the first being that since MRIs for patients with Fibromyalgia show brain signals lighting up in the same areas continuously, the neurons simply get worn out and leave the patient more sensitive to pain and soreness. The other possible cause for tiredness has to do with body chemicals, or dopamine and adrenal fatigue. Since the body is constantly producing stress-related chemicals on a normal basis, it’s unable to produce enough “feel-good” chemicals to enable rewarding sleep cycles.

Not only is Fibromyalgia linked to bizarre brain activity, but researchers are now looking into the connection between Fibromyalgia and reproductive health as well! Roughly 85-90% of the patients with Fibromyalgia are women. Women with chronic pain syndromes are more likely to have breast cysts, greater stiffness during pregnancy, as well as severe headaches and abdominal cramping during PMS. Many women find the onset of Fibromyalgia concurrent with menopause, which may be related to lowering levels of estrogen and cortisol.

It’s possible that genetic polymorphisms in one’s serotonergic, catecholaminergic, and dopaminergic systems can predispose some people to Fibromyalgia and sleep disorders. Other hypotheses focus on malfunctions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (which controls stress hormone release) or unregulated nerve growth. In some studies, patients with Fibromyalgia were found to have four times as much nerve growth in their spinal fluid. Whatever the cause may be, doctors are looking to find something that will cure the symptoms in order to unlock the mystery cause.

What are autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune diseases are when the otherwise healthy immune system in humans begins to attack the body’s tissues and organs. It mistakenly believes that these cells are foreign objects and works to get rid of them diligently. Most autoimmune diseases begin to occur shortly after puberty and will continue throughout the lifetime of the person. There are times when the disease can go into remission but there is always the chance that it will flare up again. These diseases can attack a variety of organs and lead to several painful conditions that can be debilitating. Researchers and doctors work tirelessly to discover what has caused the immune system to begin attacking its own body.

What medicines are available for autoimmune diseases?

There are many medicines that can help autoimmune diseases go into remission but each medication varies according to the particular disease. Many people can find relief with simple over the counter medications that can ease the inflammation of their joints if that particular disease affects joint and muscle coordination. Other’s with more severe diseases may need drugs that help with suppressing the immune system, sleep deprivation, depression or anxiety. The right cocktail of medications is discussed with your doctor to determine what the best course for pharmaceutical therapy is.

What are some tips for dealing with these diseases?

The best tip for dealing with autoimmune diseases is to lead a healthy life. This means eating a balanced diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits. It also means exercising daily to help the body stay strong and active. You can also lessen the impact of the disease on your life by learning how to meditate to take your mind off your aches and pains. You should also get plenty of rest. Some nights this may seem impossible when the disease is active but you can get sleeping medication and better sleeping methods from your doctor. It may also help to talk to a therapist about your disease and how you can take the strains and pressures of work and life off your shoulders. You must keep your body healthy and that includes keeping your mind healthy as well.

Are autoimmune diseases curable?

Unfortunately autoimmune diseases have no known cure at this time. Researchers work diligently to find out why the disease manifests itself initially and what has triggered the disease. They do not know if it is hereditary or simply something that occurs in some people. Perhaps one day there will be a cure for each of the autoimmune diseases that plague people but until that time there is only disease management and medicines to help with the secondary ailments that are manifested by the disease.

Fibromyalgia chronic fatigue is characterized by musculoskeletal pain that seemingly comes out of nowhere. The easiest way to describe the pain symptoms is to compare it to how you feel when you have the flu - heavy, achy, uncomfortable, sore, “off,” and constantly in pain. At night, you’ll toss and turn relentlessly. You may have Restless Leg Syndrome or frequently feel like you’re falling and when you do finally fall asleep, you’ll wake up feeling like you had been up all night. Regardless of the cause, the impact can’t be denied. When you miss out on quality sleep time, your body can’t replenish itself with Dopamine, Seratonin and other biochemicals it needs to process pain, boost your mood, help you sleep the following night and maintain the body’s homeostasis. It’s like you’re always starting the day one step behind and you can never catch up.

Your first recourse in treating Fibromyalgia chronic fatigue is to try a sleeping pill, either over the counter or prescribed. The importance of getting a good night’s sleep cannot be overstated. In some clinical experiments, researchers found that insomniacs fared just as bad (if not worse) than drug addicts in mental performance, physical deterioration and depression. Getting on a schedule and enjoying a deep REM sleep each night is the way to kick off your treatment. Next you’ll want to add yoga, swimming or some other low-impact exercise to your daily routine. Common sense says to drink a lot of water, be sure you’re getting your vitamins and eating well, and quit smoking. Stress exacerbates the pain symptoms too, so a trip to the masseuse, a sauna or a meditation class wouldn’t hurt either.

Overcoming stereotypes and stigmas is something patients with Fibromyalgia chronic fatigue find very troublesome. Insurance companies refuse to recognize the need for Fibromyalgia treatment and provide little assistance, while the Social Security Administration calls it “the welfare disorder” because 65% of the sufferers are out of work. Friends and family can’t see anything physically wrong and they wonder how some days you can be out and about, while other days are excruciating. In many ways, Fibromyalgia defies our expectations of being sick. However, with added awareness, research and discussion, this will all soon change!

MS symptoms usually appear between the ages of 20 and 40. The onset of MS may be dramatic or so mild that a person doesn’t even notice any symptoms until far later in the course of the disease. Primary symptoms include impairment of the necessary transmission of electrical brain signals to muscles and the organs of the body. The symptoms include weakness, tremors, tingling and numbness, loss of balance, vision impairment, paralysis, and bladder or bowel problems. Secondary symptoms result from primary symptoms. For example, paralysis can lead to bedsores, incontinence, and recurring urinary tract infections. These symptoms can be treated, but the ideal goal is to avoid them by treating the primary symptoms. Tertiary symptoms are the social, psychological, and vocational complications associated with the primary and secondary symptoms. Depression, for example, is a common problem among people with MS.

Fatigue is the most common symptom of MS. It is typically present in the mid afternoon and may consist of increased muscle weakness, mental fatigue, sleepiness or drowsiness. Many MS patients report a sensitivity to heat that worsens when they go outside or take a shower. Muscle spasms are a common and often debilitating symptom of MS. Spasticity usually affects the muscles of the legs and arms, and may interfere with a person’s ability to move those muscles freely. Many people with MS complain of dizziness and lightheadedness. These symptoms are caused by damage in the complex nerve pathways that coordinate vision and other inputs into the brain that are needed to maintain balance.

Perhaps the most frightening of all multiple sclerosis symptoms is cognitive impairment. Almost half of all MS patients report slowed thinking, difficulty concentrating and loss of short term memory. Some people experience problems with their vision, but these are moderate issues that do not include blindness. Abnormal sensations can range from numbness to extreme pain. These symptoms can be treated. However, speech and swallowing problems, tremors and problems walking can be difficult to treat because these symptoms come as a result of damaged nerves.

While multiple sclerosis symptoms can be aggravating and frightening, it’s important to remember that they are not life threatening. Speak to your doctor or contact a national multiple sclerosis support group for more tips and advice on dealing with your disease. You can still live a full and active life if you are willing to make small changes.