Autoimmune hepatitis is a medical condition that can lead to cirrhosis of the liver in the affected patient. This condition is one in which the immune system of the person's body attacks his liver's cells. This situation leads to liver inflammation, which is referred to as hepatitis.

Symptoms

There are many potential symptoms that can appear in a person who has autoimmune hepatitis. One of these is exhaustion. Jaundice may also result. In this situation, a yellowish tone affects the person's skin, and the mucous membranes and whites of the eyes can also be impacted. Enlargement of the liver is another potential issue. Pain the abdomen is another issue that may be present.

Both the urine and the stools may have their color changed. In the case of the former, it may be darker than is normal. As for the latter, it may be more pale in color, or have a gray appearance. The person's appetite might be lost. Nausea may result, and vomiting is something that can occur as well. Cirrhosis of the liver is something that can appear in a patient with this condition -- although, this is more along the lines of a complication rather than a symptom.

Causes

As mentioned, this disease results where there is a particular autoimmune response negatively affecting the person's liver.

Diagnosis

If you think that autoimmune hepatitis is a possibility, please talk with a doctor for professional diagnosis. There are different means that can be used to try to reach such a diagnosis. One option is to use a selection of blood tests. These can involve things such as checking liver enzymes, looking for other illnesses that may simply appear to be autoimmune hepatitis, and more. A liver biopsy is another thing that can be used for diagnostic purposes. Additionally, the doctor can take the patient's symptoms into consideration.

Treatment

Various medications are used for treating autoimmune hepatitis. In many cases, this treatment leads to remission of the condition, although often a return of it is experienced. Talk with a doctor to determine whether you should take a medication, and if so, which one.

Return to the main page for other information related to cirrhosis of the liver.