Hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver, has several forms and designations. Autoimmune hepatitis is an uncommon variety; the body’s defenses actually worsen the inflammation.

A virus or chemical can trigger autoimmune hepatitis; some people may be prone to it through hereditary factors. Regardless, it is an uncommon chronic condition generally developed in females aged 15-40 although some young children and older adults are afflicted.

Symptoms include fatigue, mild joint and muscle pain, and mild pain in the upper abdomen. The patient may become jaundiced, or yellow due to a buildup of a chemical called bilirubin that the liver manufactures. Without treatment, the liver is damaged and will eventually go into failure.

Chronic autoimmune hepatitis can be controlled. After diagnosis, the patient is treated with medication to reduce the inflammation and suppress the immune system. For the autoimmune hepatitis patient who follows a healthy diet and takes the medication properly, the prognosis for a normal lifespan is very good.

Treatments

There are a number of dietary, alternative, and western treatments available for autoimmune conditions such as autoimmune hepatitis. For a complete guide to the range of treatments for autoimmune hepatitis, see the autoimmune health section.

Other Resources

Auto Immune Hepatitis (autoimmunehepatitis.org) is the home for information, discussion and news on this topic. Run by people with the condition, the site is hosted by My Health Encyclopedia, and has a large range of links, discussions, and support about this condition.

Books

Although it’s an uncommon disease, there are many books written about autoimmune hepatitis. Whether you want practical living advice, a medical textbook or just want to be involved in your own care and recovery, you can find such a book at Amazon.com

One of the better ones is “The Official Patient’s Sourcebook on Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Revised and Updated Directory for the Internet Age”, a paperback by Icon Health Publications. This book is ideal for patients who want to educate themselves in order to take a proactive role in their own care. It includes many website addresses and resources for more information such as support groups.

Dr. Sandra. Cabot’s “The Liver Cleansing Diet” presents many ideas that patients may want to discuss with their physician. “Autoimmune Liver Disease” by H.P. Dienes and co-authors is a more technical book, bringing together researchers and physicians worldwide to discuss the disease and pediatric aspects in particular.

Amazon also has textbooks geared to both physicians and patients to better help you understand this chronic disease.