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Autoimmune Hepatitis

Learn more about symptoms, risk factors and treatment options.

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What is it?

If you have autoimmune hepatitis, your body’s immune system attacks your liver cells. This causes inflammation of the liver — also known as hepatitis.

Autoimmune hepatitis is usually chronic, meaning it can last for years and can lead to cirrhosis of the liver (scarring and hardening). This is a serious disease that, if left untreated, can get worse over time.

Symptoms

Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis can include:

  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Fatigue
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Nausea or vomiting 

When to see a doctor

Occasional symptoms such as fatigue, nausea or vomiting often resolve on their own. If your symptoms have not resolved within a few days, or it they persist, it’s time to see a doctor.

Causes and risk factors

Like many autoimmune diseases, we don’t know what causes autoimmune hepatitis. However, genetic and environmental factors may interact over time to trigger it. 

Risk factors for developing autoimmune hepatitis include:

  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Thyroiditis
  • Graves’ disease
  • Sjogren’s syndrome

Treatment options

If you’re diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, your treatment will likely include drug therapy.

Testing

Your doctor can help you determine if you have autoimmune hepatitis. They may recommend the following tests or procedures:

  • Blood tests
  • Imaging scans (ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan)
  • Liver biopsy

Prevention

You may not be able to prevent autoimmune hepatitis.

Additional conditions

Hepatitis A

Hemochromatosis

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD)