Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition in which the body’s own immune system attacks the liver, causing inflammation. Although the causes are not well understood, it appears that environmental and genetic factors may work together to cause the disease. Eventually, autoimmune hepatitis will lead to scarring of the liver, the development of a condition called cirrhosis, and possibly liver failure. Autoimmune hepatitis differs from viral hepatitis, as it originates within the body itself rather than from exposure to a pathogen.
Common Symptoms of Autoimmune Hepatitis
The most common symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis include abdominal pain, fatigue, spider veins, skin rashes, joint pains, and other signs of an enlarged liver. In its advanced stages, the condition can cause a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes called jaundice. In women, it can lead to interruption of the menstrual cycle.
Causes of Autoimmune Hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when the body’s immune system decides the liver is a foreign invader and treats it as if it is a bacteria or virus. The exact mechanism that triggers this reaction is not understood, but it is similar to any other immune response to a foreign body. Researchers suspect that some people have a genetic predisposition to autoimmune hepatitis, though experts also believe exposure to environmental factors, such as certain chemicals, causes these genes to activate.
Type I Autoimmune Hepatitis
There are two types of autoimmune hepatitis. Type 1 is the most common and can occur at any age. Other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis are often linked to its development. Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis indicates that the body tends to attack its own tissues as if they were foreign invaders.
Type 2 Autoimmune Hepatitis
Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis is most common in children and young people, though adults can also develop it. As with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis, type 2 often accompanies other autoimmune diseases. The connection between the development of autoimmune hepatitis and other autoimmune diseases is linked to the expression of inflammatory factors by the body. Inflammation is the result of an immune response. It is the body’s mechanism for ridding itself of foreign substances, and it is the beginning of the tissue repair process. When too much inflammation occurs, however, disorders develop.
Symptom: Jaundice
Jaundice is a classic symptom of advanced liver disease. It causes the skin and whites of the eyes become yellow and occurs when there is destruction or obstruction of the bile duct leading to an excess of the pigment bilirubin in the blood. When the liver does not process bilirubin properly, it remains in the blood and shows up as jaundice.
Symptom: Enlarged Esophagus Veins
As liver damage continues, cirrhosis develops. Enlarged veins in the esophagus are a side effect of cirrhosis. This is caused by a blockage in the portal vein, which leaves the blood to back up into other blood vessels. This may cause bleeding when the vessels contain more blood than they are designed to carry, and can create a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Symptom: Ascites
As cirrhosis of the liver continues, the individual may develop ascites or fluid retention in the abdomen. As the fluid builds up, it can become uncomfortable and even interfere with breathing. Ascites indicates an increase in the likelihood of liver failure.
Liver Failure
Liver failure occurs when the liver cells become so damaged they can they can no longer function properly. When autoimmune hepatitis damages the liver and cirrhosis is extensive, a liver transplant is often needed to save the person’s life. However, liver transplants in people with autoimmune diseases are risky because of the potential for organ rejection.
Liver Cancer
People with autoimmune hepatitis have a greater tendency to develop advanced cirrhosis. This also places them at an increased risk for liver cancer. When liver cancer develops, it can spread to other nearby organs in the body. It is often difficult to treat because of the complications involving the immune system and the body’s tendency to attack its own organs.
Preventing Autoimmune Hepatitis
Science has yet to fully explain the cause of autoimmune hepatitis. If you have another autoimmune disorder, keeping it under control and working with your physician is the best way to prevent more autoimmune disorders. If you suspect you may have the symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible so you can keep your condition under control as much as possible. Of course, eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise, as well as avoiding alcohol and smoking, are always good advice for reducing the risk of autoimmune disease.