Autoimmune hepatitis is anautoimmune diseasethat takes place if the bodys immune system attacks the liver by mistake.
The exact cause is unknown but believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
There is no one test to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Yourliveris located on the right side of your abdomen just under the ribcage.
Your doctor will palpate your abdomen to determine if your liver feels enlarged.
An enlarged liver is a sign of inflammation of the liver, also known as hepatitis.
Your doctor will ask several questions about the symptoms you have been experiencing.
Be prepared to answer questions about when they started and how severe they feel.
Your doctor will also ask about your medical history.
Certain autoimmune conditions have been associated with an increased risk of autoimmune hepatitis.
These tests can tell you if your liver is inflamed or has been damaged.
The doctor will remove small tissue samples from your liver with a needle.
These samples are then sent to the lab to be studied under a microscope.
First, your medical team will work to figure out which bang out of hepatitis you have.
Viral causes of hepatitis include:
Other forms of liver disease may also have similar symptoms to autoimmune hepatitis.
Schedule some time to sit down and take notes before the appointment.
Write down each of your symptoms and how long they have been going on.
Finally, create a list of all of the medications, vitamins, and supplements you are currently taking.
Summary
There is no one test to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis.
They will order liver enzymes and liver function tests to see whether there is inflammation in your liver.
They will also order tests that detect certain antibodies that have been associated with autoimmune hepatitis.
This is an incredibly challenging time, and taking things one day at a time is important.
During this process, expect to undergo a physical exam, blood tests, and possibly a liver biopsy.
Your doctor will also need to ask several questions about your health and family history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after being diagnosed with AIH?
Can an autoimmune hepatitis diagnosis be something else?
Some symptoms and lab findings found in autoimmune hepatitis are also common in other chronic conditions.
Your medical team will work to rule out any other possible causes for your symptoms.
What tests are used to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis?
Autoimmune hepatitis is usually diagnosed by blood tests and a liver biopsy.
Is an AIH diagnosis fatal?
If left untreated, autoimmune hepatitis could be fatal.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to achieving a good prognosis.
For individuals who respond positively to treatment, the 10-year survival rate is about 83.8% to 94%.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Autoimmune hepatitis.
Czaja AJ.Diagnosis and management of autoimmune hepatitis: current status and future directions.Gut Liver.
10(2):177-203. doi:10.5009/gnl15352
John Hopkins Medicine.Autoimmune hepatitis.
Manns MP, Lohse AW, Vergani D.Autoimmune hepatitisupdate 2015.J Hepatol.
62(1 Suppl):S100-S11.
