Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease where your body's immune system, which normally fights off infections, mistakenly attacks your own liver cells. This attack causes inflammation and damage to the liver. Over time, if left untreated, this inflammation can lead to scarring (fibrosis) and potentially more serious liver problems like cirrhosis, where the liver becomes permanently damaged and can't function properly. The exact reason why someone develops Autoimmune Hepatitis isn't fully understood, but it's classified as an autoimmune disease. This means your immune system misidentifies your healthy liver cells as foreign invaders. It's thought to be a combination of genetic factors (you might have a predisposition) and environmental triggers, such as certain infections or medications, that can set off this immune response in susceptible individuals. It is important to know that AIH is not contagious and is not caused by alcohol use. Lab tests play a crucial role in diagnosing Autoimmune Hepatitis, determining its severity, and monitoring how well treatments are working. When routine blood tests show elevated liver enzymes (like ALT and AST), it suggests liver inflammation and prompts doctors to look further. Specific tests, such as those for autoantibodies (e.g., ANA, SMA, LKM-1), help confirm if your immune system is indeed attacking your liver. Additional tests, like liver function panels and sometimes a liver biopsy, help your doctor understand the extent of liver damage and tailor the best treatment plan for you.