Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis is often misunderstood. It is not caused by a
virus, as with viral hepatitis, and it is not due to alcohol
consumption or anything you might have eaten recently.
This condition arises because your immune system—which is designed to
protect you from infections—loses its ability to tell the difference between your own
cells (“self”) and foreign invaders. Instead of attacking bacteria or viruses, it
mistakenly targets your liver cells.
The result is chronic inflammation in the liver. While your liver is
resilient and tries to heal itself, ongoing inflammation eventually leads to
scarring. If left unchecked, this scarring can progress to fibrosis and
even cirrhosis, seriously impacting liver function.
There are two primary types of autoimmune hepatitis:
-
Type 1 AIH: The most common type, usually affecting adolescents and
adults.
-
Type 2 AIH: Rarer and seen more often in children and young adults.
Though anyone can develop autoimmune hepatitis, many of my patients in
Delhi are women, especially those between 15-40 or 50-60 years of age.
In older age groups, men sometimes experience a more rapid and severe
progression of the disease.
What triggers this abnormal immune response? The exact cause remains unclear. Genetics
or environmental factors may play a role, but one thing is certain: autoimmune
hepatitis is a chronic liver condition that requires careful medical
management.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Abdominal discomfort
- Loss of appetite
- Dark-colored urine
- Joint pain
In some cases, there may be no clear symptoms until liver damage has
become significant. That’s why early consultation with an AIH
specialist in Delhi is so important for timely diagnosis and effective management.
Diagnosis of Autoimmune Hepatitis
The biggest trap with autoimmune hepatitis is believing that “I feel okay, so it cannot
be serious.”
Why can symptoms be misleading? Symptoms are signals from the body
indicating that something is wrong, but in many cases, they do not act as a precise
diagnostic code. They resemble other forms of chronic liver disease. Therefore, careful
diagnosis is needed for effective autoimmune hepatitis treatment.
Blood Tests
Diagnosis is careful, layered, and systematic. Specialized autoantibody tests help
detect immune system activity against the liver. These include:
- Antinuclear antibodies (ANA)
- Anti–liver kidney microsomal antibodies (anti-LKM)
- Anti-smooth muscle antibodies (ASMA)
These markers help indicate that the immune system is involved. But they are not the
entire story.
Liver Function Tests (LFTs): Measuring Damage
LFTs measure liver enzymes such as ALT and AST. Elevated levels indicate liver
inflammation or damage. Monitoring these enzymes helps us to assess bilirubin and
protein levels to evaluate liver performance.
Liver Biopsy: The Deciding Factor
In many cases, a liver biopsy is recommended. This is not done casually. It gives us
direct information about:
- The degree of inflammation
- The stage of fibrosis
- Whether cirrhosis has begun
The biopsy often confirms both the diagnosis and the severity, allowing us to tailor
autoimmune hepatitis treatment in Delhi precisely to the patient’s condition.
Treatment Options for Autoimmune Hepatitis
Now comes the most important question: can autoimmune hepatitis be
treated?
Yes. And often very effectively.
The foundation of treatment is immunosuppressive therapy. The goal is simple but
critical: calm down the immune system before it causes permanent damage.
Immunosuppressive Therapy
Treatment typically begins with corticosteroids such as prednisone to
reduce liver inflammation. Many patients see their liver enzyme levels improve within
weeks. But steroids alone are not a long-term solution. Prolonged high doses can cause
side effects.
In many cases, another medication like azathioprine is added to
suppress the immune response more effectively and allow for lower steroid doses.
Together, these medicines form the backbone of autoimmune hepatitis treatment worldwide.
This combination helps minimize long-term side effects while maintaining disease
control.
Immunosuppressive therapy is carefully monitored by liver specialists like us. Regular
follow-ups and blood tests ensure that medication doses are adjusted appropriately.
Managing Flare-Ups
Autoimmune hepatitis can sometimes flare up, causing a sudden increase in symptoms or
liver enzyme levels.
This does not mean treatment has failed. It means adjustments are required. Medication
doses may be increased temporarily, and close monitoring ensures inflammation is brought
back under control.
Long-Term Outcomes
While AIH cannot always be completely cured, what are we trying to achieve?
The goal is remission.
Many patients achieve long-term remission with consistent treatment. Early diagnosis and
adherence to therapy significantly improve prognosis. The goal is to preserve liver
function, prevent complications, and maintain a good quality of life.
Patients can effectively manage this chronic liver disease with proper care under an
experienced AIH specialist in Delhi.
Why Choose Liver Surgeons in Delhi
:
Choosing the right center matters for autoimmune hepatitis treatment in Delhi. It is not
the condition that is managed casually or without expertise. At Liver Surgeons in Delhi,
care means:
- Specialized Expertise:
Experienced liver specialists skilled in diagnosing and managing autoimmune and
chronic liver diseases.
- Advanced Diagnostic
Facilities: Comprehensive autoantibody panels, high-quality
imaging, and biopsy services under one roof.
- Personalized Treatment Plans:
Evidence-based immunosuppressive therapy tailored to each patient’s
needs.
- Holistic Care Approach:
Ongoing follow-ups, dietary guidance, and lifestyle counseling to support
long-term liver health.
The team focuses not only on treatment but also on patient education and preventive care,
ensuring every individual receives comprehensive support throughout their recovery
journey.
Because this is not just about treating a lab report. It is about protecting your liver
for decades to come.
