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Warning-sign checks

Autoimmune hepatitis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for vomiting blood, black stools, severe confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, or inability to stay awake.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the care team promptly for new jaundice, dark urine, persistent vomiting, increasing abdominal or leg swelling, fever, unusual bruising, or a suspected medication reaction.

    Fever with a swollen or painful abdomen needs urgent assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up continues even when symptoms improve.

    Blood tests are usually more frequent when treatment begins or changes.

    Once the condition is stable, testing may be spaced farther apart based on the clinician’s assessment.

    Routine visits may review liver enzyme and IgG levels, medicine side effects, blood counts, bone health, vaccination needs, and signs of cirrhosis.

    Imaging or other tests may be needed if cirrhosis is present.

    A rising liver enzyme level can signal renewed inflammation before symptoms appear.

    These are not routine follow-up concerns.

The article also says

Some carefully selected people may discuss a supervised attempt to stop treatment after a sustained period of complete remission.

Relapse is common, so this decision requires specialist assessment and continued blood testing.

Restarting treatment may be necessary.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Autoimmune hepatitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.