Complications you might experience when living with autoimmune hepatitis
Learn how you can manage your symptoms and reduce their impact on your daily life
Complications you might experience when living with autoimmune hepatitis
Learn how you can manage your symptoms and reduce their impact on your daily life
Autoimmune hepatitis is when the immune system turns against the cells in the liver, causing inflammation of the liver.
If left untreated, this inflammation can escalate to scarring of the liver, which is also known as cirrhosis.
The are two types of autoimmune hepatitis that have been identified:
- Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis is the most common type; this can occur at any age and may be followed by other autoimmune disorders
- Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis is known to mostly affect children and young people; other autoimmune diseases are likely to follow this type
Although the root cause of this autoimmune disease is unknown, you might be at risk of developing it if you’re:
- Female
- Known to have a history of certain infections such as measles or herpes
- From a family that has a history of autoimmune hepatitis
- Already suffering from an autoimmune disease, such as celiac disease
Autoimmune hepatitis is when the immune system turns against the cells in the liver, causing inflammation of the liver.
If left untreated, this inflammation can escalate to scarring of the liver, which is also known as cirrhosis.
The are two types of autoimmune hepatitis that have been identified:
- Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis is the most common type; this can occur at any age and may be followed by other autoimmune disorders
- Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis is known to mostly affect children and young people; other autoimmune diseases are likely to follow this type
Although the root cause of this autoimmune disease is unknown, you might be at risk of developing it if you’re:
- Female
- Known to have a history of certain infections such as measles or herpes
- From a family that has a history of autoimmune hepatitis
- Already suffering from an autoimmune disease, such as celiac disease
Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis
Symptoms may suddenly appear when living with autoimmune hepatitis and can vary from person to person. You may experience extremely mild symptoms or you may experience more noticeable symptoms, such as:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Fatigue
- Enlarged liver
- Skin rashes
- Joint pains
- Abnormal blood vessels on the skin
- Absent menstruation
Consult your physician without delay if you begin to experience any of these symptoms. A professional diagnosis can prevent you from facing further health issues and experiencing any sort of discomfort.
Symptoms may suddenly appear when living with autoimmune hepatitis and can vary from person to person. You may experience extremely mild symptoms or you may experience more noticeable symptoms, such as:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Fatigue
- Enlarged liver
- Skin rashes
- Joint pains
- Abnormal blood vessels on the skin
- Absent menstruation
Consult your physician without delay if you begin to experience any of these symptoms. A professional diagnosis can prevent you from facing further health issues and experiencing any sort of discomfort.
Diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis
Your healthcare provider will subject you to the following tests to determine if you’re living with autoimmune hepatitis:
- Blood tests are done to inspect the antibodies in your blood which can help distinguish between autoimmune hepatitis and any other condition with similar symptoms
- Liver biopsies are done by analysing a small sample of your liver tissue to determine the level of damage to the liver
Diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis
Your healthcare provider will subject you to the following tests to determine if you’re living with autoimmune hepatitis:
- Blood tests are done to inspect the antibodies in your blood which can help distinguish between autoimmune hepatitis and any other condition with similar symptoms
- Liver biopsies are done by analysing a small sample of your liver tissue to determine the level of damage to the liver
Management of autoimmune hepatitis symptoms
Once your physician has screened your symptoms, you’ll be prescribed relevant methods of treatment depending on severity. Your healthcare professional may recommend the following as a measure of relief:
- Medication: To slow the progression of the disease and stop or slow down the immune system attack on your liver
- Liver transplant: If liver damage has progressed up to an extent where medication can’t control it
Complications of autoimmune hepatitis
Failure to seek professional medical assistance or failure to follow the recommended treatment measures can cause serious health conditions when living with autoimmune hepatitis.
Apart from permanent damage to the liver, you may also suffer from:
- Oesophagal varices or enlarged veins in your oesophagus which can cause blocks and even bleeding in the oesophagus and stomach
- Ascites or fluid accumulation in the abdomen which can cause discomfort and even breathing difficulties which usually indicate advanced cirrhosis
- Liver failure which is due to the extensive damage to your liver cells that leads to the liver not being able to function efficiently
- Liver cancer which, if you’re diagnosed with cirrhosis, you’ll be at an increased risk of developing
Seek the help of a gastroenterologist if you’re living with autoimmune hepatitis
An expert gastroenterologist can prescribe the necessary treatment measures to ease any discomfort that you might be feeling due to autoimmune hepatitis.
Schedule an appointment with a specialist today for a timely diagnosis and suitable treatment plan.
Sydney Gut Clinic services are only available to patients in Australia.