Q: I may have autoimmune hepatitis.  What is it?  Do I need to be tested now, or can I wait?

A: Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease in which the body's immune system attacks the liver cells, causing the liver to become inflamed.

Most people with autoimmune hepatitis are women between the ages of 15 and 40. The disease is often serious and can worsen over time if not treated. It can last for years, leading to damage of the liver. Many people with autoimmune hepatitis have other autoimmune disorders such as thyroid disease, anemia, ulcerative colitis, and Sjogren's syndrome. Some researchers believe that certain bacteria, viruses, toxins and drugs can trigger an autoimmune reaction in people who are genetically inclined to develop an autoimmune disorder.

Because severe viral hepatitis or hepatitis caused by drugs has the same symptoms as those of autoimmune hepatitis, it is important that your doctor review and exclude your medicines before diagnosing autoimmune hepatitis.

Common symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis include fatigue, jaundice, itching, skin rash, joint pains, enlarged liver, and abdominal pain.

Diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis is based on your symptoms, blood tests, and liver biopsy. In a liver biopsy, a tiny sample of your liver tissue is obtained using a needle. The sample is then examined under a microscope and can help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and tell you how serious your disease is. The procedure is often done in the hospital or an outpatient surgical facility by a skilled specialist. It is best to establish the diagnosis as early as possible so that treatment can be started.

Treatment of autoimmune hepatitis involves suppressing or slowing down the body's immune system with medication.