Autoimmune hepatitis (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==What are the causes?== | ==What are the causes?== | ||
A combination of autoimmunity, environmental triggers, and a genetic predisposition can lead to autoimmune hepatitis. | |||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ||
Revision as of 15:28, 9 January 2018
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Autoimmune hepatitis |
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Autoimmune hepatitis On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Manpreet Kaur, MD [2]
Overview
Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic—or long-lasting disease in which the body's immune system attacks the normal components, or cells, of the liver and causes inflammation and liver damage. The immune system normally protects people from infection by identifying and destroying bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful foreign substances. Autoimmune hepatitis is a serious condition that may worsen over time if not treated. Autoimmune hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. Cirrhosis occurs when scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue and blocks the normal flow of blood through the liver. Liver failure occurs when the liver stops working properly
What are the symptoms of Autoimmune hepatitis?
What are the causes?
A combination of autoimmunity, environmental triggers, and a genetic predisposition can lead to autoimmune hepatitis.