Autoimmune Hepatitis: Care Instructions

Overview

Autoimmune hepatitis is a long-term (chronic) disease that makes the body's defenses (immune system) attack the liver. This causes liver inflammation and damage.

Sometimes chemicals, certain medicines, or a virus can cause cells in your body to attack your liver. Some people, such as those who have other autoimmune diseases, may be more likely to get this disease. And women get it more often than men. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your risk.

It can cause tiredness, belly pain, itchy skin, and pain in your joints. Your skin and eyes may look yellow (jaundice). You may have nausea and not want to eat, so you may lose weight. But there are medicines you can take to keep your liver damage from getting worse.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Contact your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
• Make sure your doctor knows all the medicines you take. Some medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), can make liver problems worse. Do not take any new medicines, and do not stop taking prescribed medicines, unless your doctor says it is okay.
• Be as active as you can every day. For many people, walking is a good choice.
• Avoid alcohol. Tell your doctor if you need help to quit. Counseling, support groups, and sometimes medicines can help you stay alcohol-free.
• Follow your doctor's instructions about healthy eating. You may need a low-salt or low-fat diet.
• If you have itchy skin, keep cool and stay out of the sun. It may help to wear cotton clothing. Talk to your doctor about medicines that can be used for itching. Follow the instructions on the label.
• Stay up to date on vaccinations to prevent other infections.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You have trouble breathing.
• You vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You feel very sleepy or confused.
• You have a fever.
• There is a new or increasing yellow tint to your skin or the whites of your eyes.
• You have new or worse belly pain.
• You have any abnormal bleeding, such as:
  • Nosebleeds.
  • Vaginal bleeding that is different (heavier, more frequent, at a different time of the month) than what you are used to.
  • Bloody or black stools, or rectal bleeding.
  • Bloody or pink urine.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• Your belly is getting bigger.
• You are gaining weight.