Question 1

what are signs of autoimmune hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Jaundice & big liver: Skin rashes & spider angioma (see photo) may also be seen. Generally the diagnosis is made when patients present with fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Examination reveals jaundice. Blood tests reveal liver injury and an autoimmune basis for the injury. Try this website for a more detailed discussion: http://digestive.Niddk.Nih.Gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/

Question 2

what is autoimmune hepatitis like?

Accepted Answer

Immune mediated : Autoimmune hepatitis is an immune mediated directed damage to the liver. Some hepatitis is due to viral infections or alcohol. Here this is the body attacking ones own liver hence the term autoimmune. There is more than one type of autoimmune  hepatitis and your physician will guide you through this.

Question 3

can autoimmune hepatitis be passed on?

Accepted Answer

May be: There are some genetic factor causing autoimmune hepatitis. However, there is not a strong factor. Generally speaking if someone has autoimmune hepatitis children or future generation may or may not get autoimmune hepatitis or any other type of autoimmune diseases.

Question 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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.

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Autoimmune hepatitis signs

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What are signs of autoimmune hepatitis?

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What is autoimmune hepatitis like?

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Can autoimmune hepatitis be passed on?

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What can be done for autoimmune hepatitis?

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Autoimmune hepatitis not responding to medication?

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What are the common complications of autoimmune hepatitis ?

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What is the definition or description of: autoimmune hepatitis?

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Is autoimmune hepatitis fatal?

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How do doctors diagnose autoimmune hepatitis?

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Is it true that autoimmune hepatitis is contagious?

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