Uncommon Autoimmune Diseases Everyone Should Be Aware Of

Who Does Autoimmune Hepatitis Target?

AIH can affect any person at any age, although it is more often seen in individuals between the ages of forty and fifty. There is no real cause for AIH. However, sixty percent of patients with chronic hepatitis may mimic viral hepatitis without serologic evidence of the viral infection. Diagnosing AIH is best achieved with a combination of laboratory, clinical, and histological testing and excluding any other diseases it may be mimicking. Treatment includes the consumption of immunosuppressive glucocorticoids, such as prednisone, azathioprine, as well as budesonide. When immunosuppressants do not work, a liver transplant may be required.

Addison's Disease & The Adrenal Glands

Addison's disease - also called primary adrenal insufficiency and hypocortisolism - is a long-term endocrine disorder affecting the adrenal glands so they do not produce enough steroid hormones (specifically cortisol and aldosterone) which are necessary for proper function. The glands will not produce enough hormones due to damage caused by the immune system, tuberculosis, certain medications, sepsis, and bleeding into the glands.

Symptoms of this condition include abdominal pain, weakness, weight loss, and darkening of the skin in specific areas. In some instances when an adrenal crisis occurs, patients can experience low blood pressure, vomiting, lower back pain, and loss of consciousness. An adrenal crisis occurs when an individual is experiencing stress, such as from an injury, surgery, or infection.