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 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.
