Question 1

can people with autoimmune hepatitis live a normal life? do they have a normal or low life expectancy?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune hepatitis: Some people with autoimmune hepatitis have an entirely normal life span.  They just need to be checked on from time to time.

Question 2

what can be done for autoimmune hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Medication: If you have autoimmune hepatitis, you should see a liver specialist. This disease can be treated with medication that suppress your immune system. If do not get treatment, the disease can progress and cause cirrhosis (extensive scarring of the liver) and eventual liver failure.

Question 3

autoimmune hepatitis not responding to medication?

Accepted Answer

Change: You may need to change to a different immunosuppressive regimen. If your liver specialist is not very experienced in treating this condition, you could consider getting a second opinion. If nothing works and your liver is failing a transplant could be an option.

Question 4

what are the common complications of autoimmune hepatitis ?

Accepted Answer

Untreated? cirrhosis: Autoimmune hepatitis is treatable, and often complications can be prevented.  There can be a relatively sudden onset of jaundice and malaise, but it does not always have symptoms at first.  Untreated autoimmune hepatitis can lead to chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.  Complications of cirrhosis can include edema (swelling), jaundice (yellowing of skin), liver cancer, many others.

Question 5

what is the definition or description of: autoimmune hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Anti-liver antibody: Autoimmune hepatitis (aih) is a disease caused by antibodies directed against liver cells. It can cause the liver to become inflamed and even lead to liver failure. Treatment can include steroids and immuran, powerful suppressors of the immune system.

Question 6

is autoimmune hepatitis fatal?

Accepted Answer

Can be: If left untreated, autoimmune hepatitis can progress to liver failure.  If in liver failure, it will be fatal unless you have a liver transplant.  However, you can prevent progression of the disease with medications.

Question 7

how do doctors diagnose autoimmune hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests: There are blood tests to detect the antibodies attacking the liver.  Further tests/procedures may be needed to confirm that the problem is not something else (such as primary biliary cirrhosis).

Question 8

is it true that autoimmune hepatitis is contagious?

Accepted Answer

No: It's just not.  Occasionally autoimmune hepatitis is triggered by a hepatitis a infection but even that is past once the person is diagnosed with autoimune hepatitis.

Question 9

how are celiac disease and autoimmune hepatitis different?

Accepted Answer

Totally different: While both are autoimmune diseases, celiac is basically a GI disease characterized by a sensitivity to wheat (gluten) and hepatitis is characterized by inflammation involving the liver.

Question 10

has anyone ever heard of drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Well known: Autoimmune hepatitis is inflammation in your liver that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your liver. Although the cause of autoimmune hepatitis isn't entirely clear, some diseases, toxins and drugs may trigger autoimmune hepatitis in susceptible people, especially women.

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Doctor answers about:

Autoimmune hepatitis life expectancy

A member asked:

Can people with autoimmune hepatitis live a normal life? do they have a normal or low life expectancy?

A member asked:

What can be done for autoimmune hepatitis?

A member asked:

Autoimmune hepatitis not responding to medication?

A member asked:

What are the common complications of autoimmune hepatitis ?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: autoimmune hepatitis?

A member asked:

Is autoimmune hepatitis fatal?

A member asked:

How do doctors diagnose autoimmune hepatitis?

A member asked:

Is it true that autoimmune hepatitis is contagious?

A member asked:

How are celiac disease and autoimmune hepatitis different?

A member asked:

Has anyone ever heard of drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis?

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