Autoimmune hepatitis is a liver disease where the immune system becomes overactive and abnormally attacks liver cells. This can cause the liver to become inflamed, a condition called hepatitis. Left untreated, autoimmune hepatitis can cause scarring of liver tissue (cirrhosis) and eventually liver failure. A person cannot survive without a functioning liver.
Experts are not really sure why autoimmune hepatitis occurs. However, researchers believe that the condition may be linked to abnormalities in genes.
The most common symptom of autoimmune hepatitis is fatigue. Other symptoms may include jaundice (yellowed skin appearance), abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and dark urine.
If detected early, autoimmune disease can be managed with certain medications that suppress the immune system.
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