Autoimmune hepatitis is a serious, chronic liver disease that occurs when the body’s own immune system attacks and destroys the liver cells. It can be a difficult condition to diagnose since its symptoms can be confused with other diseases. Unfortunately, it can cause pain in some cases.
Pain associated with autoimmune hepatitis can be caused by a variety of reasons. One common cause of pain is the inflammation that occurs in the liver when the immune system attacks it. This can cause pain in the upper right abdomen or upper back, and the pain may be worse after eating. In some cases, the pain may radiate to the shoulder, chest, or back.
Other causes of pain in autoimmune hepatitis include complications such as cirrhosis, portal hypertension, or liver cancer. Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver is scarred and cannot perform its normal functions. This can lead to pain in the abdomen or back due to an enlarged liver. Portal hypertension occurs when the pressure in the portal vein (which transports blood from the intestines to the liver) is too high. This can cause pain in the abdomen, back, or chest. Liver cancer can cause pain in the abdomen due to the tumor pressing against other organs or nerves.
In addition to physical pain, autoimmune hepatitis can also cause emotional pain. People with this condition may experience feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation due to the difficulty of managing the disease.
Autoimmune hepatitis can cause pain, both physical and emotional. It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any type of pain related to this condition. Your doctor can help you manage your symptoms and determine the best treatment plan for you.