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Autoimmune Hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis is when the immune system mistakenly attacks the liver, causing ongoing inflammation. Untreated it can scar the liver, but it usually responds well to treatment.
Causes & risk factors
- An immune system that attacks liver cells
- A genetic tendency
- Sometimes triggered by an infection or certain medicines
- More common in women
- Linked with other autoimmune conditions
Common symptoms
- Tiredness
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin
- Upper right tummy discomfort
- Aching joints
- Nausea and poor appetite
- Itchy skin
Tests & diagnosis
- LFT
- Autoantibody tests (ANA, SMA, LKM)
- Immunoglobulin (IgG) levels
- Liver biopsy to confirm
- Liver ultrasound
Treatment & management
- Steroids to calm the immune attack, often started at a higher dose then reduced
- Steroid-sparing immune-modifying medicines for maintenance
- Long-term treatment and monitoring to keep it in remission
- Avoid alcohol
- Bone and vaccination care while on immune-lowering medicine
When to see a doctor urgently
- Yellow eyes or skin
- Persistent tiredness with abnormal liver tests
- Tummy swelling or easy bruising
- A flare of symptoms while on treatment
Frequently asked questions
Is autoimmune hepatitis curable?
It is usually controlled rather than cured. Most people do very well on treatment, which keeps inflammation in remission; medicine is often needed long-term.
Is autoimmune hepatitis caused by a virus?
No. Unlike viral hepatitis, it is not an infection and is not contagious. It happens because the immune system attacks the liver by mistake.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.