Autoimmune Hepatitis Specialists in West Bengal
Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic liver disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the liver's own cells, causing ongoing inflammation that ca…
Health Conditions A–Z
LabDekho500+ Diseases & Conditions Explained
Understand symptoms, causes, treatment options and prevention for hundreds of conditions — written for patients, reviewed for accuracy.
What is Autoimmune Hepatitis?
Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic liver disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the liver's own cells, causing ongoing inflammation that can progressively damage liver tissue if not treated. The exact trigger for this misdirected immune response is not fully understood, though it is believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and an environmental trigger, such as an infection or medication, in susceptible individuals. The condition predominantly affects women and can present at any age, sometimes appearing suddenly with symptoms resembling acute hepatitis, and other times developing more gradually and being discovered incidentally through abnormal liver blood tests. Without treatment, ongoing inflammation can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure over time. Fortunately, autoimmune hepatitis generally responds well to immunosuppressive medication, which can induce remission and prevent long-term liver damage in most patients.
Moderate
Rare — an uncommon liver disease, though it is an important cause of chronic hepatitis in the absence of viral infection or alcohol use
No
Causes of Autoimmune Hepatitis
Caused by an abnormal immune response in which the body's immune system attacks liver cells, believed to arise from a combination of genetic predisposition and an environmental trigger such as a viral infection or certain medications in susceptible individuals. The condition is more common in women and often occurs alongside other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease or type 1 diabetes. A family history of autoimmune conditions can increase susceptibility, though the disease itself is not directly inherited in a simple pattern.
Symptoms of Autoimmune Hepatitis
Fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, joint pain, itchy skin, nausea, loss of appetite, in some cases signs of advanced liver disease such as fluid retention or easy bruising if diagnosis is delayed
Treatment & Types of Autoimmune Hepatitis in West Bengal
Treatment involves immunosuppressive medications, typically starting with corticosteroids to control acute inflammation, often combined with a steroid-sparing agent such as azathioprine for longer-term maintenance therapy. Most patients require treatment for an extended period, sometimes lifelong, to maintain remission and prevent flares. Regular monitoring with liver blood tests helps guide treatment adjustments, and liver transplantation is considered for the minority of patients who progress to liver failure despite treatment.
Autoimmune hepatitis is classified into two main types based on the specific autoantibodies detected in blood testing: type 1, the more common form affecting both adults and children, and type 2, which is less common and tends to affect children and young adults, often with a more aggressive course.
Hepatology Specialists in West Bengal (0)
No specialists listed yet in West Bengal — browse all doctors instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is autoimmune hepatitis contagious?
No, it results from the immune system mistakenly attacking the liver, not from an infection, so it cannot be passed to others.
Will I need treatment for the rest of my life?
Many patients need extended, sometimes lifelong, immunosuppressive therapy to maintain remission and prevent flares, though some can eventually reduce or stop medication under close monitoring.
Can this condition be cured?
There's no outright cure, but most patients respond very well to treatment, achieving remission and preventing progression to cirrhosis.
Why does this mostly affect women?
The exact reason isn't fully known, but it's thought to relate to hormonal and immune system differences that make autoimmune conditions generally more common in women.
Does this mean I have other autoimmune diseases too?
Autoimmune hepatitis often occurs alongside other autoimmune conditions like thyroid disease or type 1 diabetes, so your doctor may screen for these as well.