Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Serious, Non-Contagious Liver Condition
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a serious, non-contagious liver condition where the immune system mistakenly targets and damages liver cells. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. AIH is not caused by viruses and can be associated with other autoimmune diseases.
AIH occurs when the body's immune system identifies liver cells as foreign threats and produces antibodies to attack them. There are two main types of AIH: Type I, which is more common and predominantly affects cisgender women, and Type II, which typically affects children. Diagnosis involves blood tests to rule out viral hepatitis, determine the type of AIH, and assess liver function, followed by a liver biopsy for confirmation.
Symptoms of AIH can range from mild to severe, including fatigue, joint pain, nausea, jaundice, and abdominal bloating. The disease can also be associated with other autoimmune conditions such as Graves' disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Risk factors for developing AIH include family history, previous infections, being cisgender female, and certain medications.
Treatment for AIH includes immunosuppressant drugs and corticosteroids to control the immune response, with liver transplant being an option in severe cases. Early diagnosis and proper management are crucial to prevent serious complications. As AIH is not contagious, it cannot be spread through contact with an infected person. However, further research is needed to fully understand the causes and develop more effective treatments for this complex liver disease.
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