Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic liver disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy liver cells. This immune response causes inflammation, which can lead to pain, scarring, and potentially permanent liver damage if not managed.
Symptoms often develop slowly, though some people may experience a sudden flare-up. Common signs include:
The exact trigger for autoimmune hepatitis is unknown, but several factors can contribute:
Don't wait to take control of your liver health. At GastroDoxs in Cypress, our board-certified autoimmune hepatitis specialists are ready to provide personalized, compassionate care from diagnosis through ongoing management. Call us at 832-632-4070 or book online now to reserve your consultation. Let's work together to protect your liver and improve your quality of life.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Autoimmune hepatitis is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests to check liver enzymes and autoantibodies, imaging studies to assess liver health, and sometimes a liver biopsy to examine tissue and confirm the diagnosis.
No. Autoimmune hepatitis is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
The exact cause is unknown, but it likely involves a mix of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers such as viral infections, certain medications, or hormonal factors.
Yes. In addition to standard corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, there are ongoing clinical trials testing novel immune-based therapies that may offer additional options.
Treatment typically includes corticosteroids (like prednisone) to reduce inflammation and immunosuppressants (such as azathioprine) to lower immune system activity. Therapy is tailored to each patient's needs.
With early diagnosis and proper treatment, most patients can lead full, healthy lives. Without treatment, there is a risk of progressive liver damage and cirrhosis.
Our GastroDoxs Cypress team includes board-certified gastroenterologists and hepatologists experienced in autoimmune liver disease. Call our office or book online to schedule an appointment.
While stress does not cause autoimmune hepatitis, it can exacerbate symptoms. Stress management techniques-such as exercise, mindfulness, and counseling-can support overall health.
We recommend liver function tests every 3 to 6 months, or as directed by your physician, to monitor disease activity and adjust treatment as needed.
Helpful lifestyle measures include avoiding alcohol completely, eating a balanced, low-fat diet, staying physically active, and keeping all follow-up visits and laboratory tests on schedule.
