'Body cells attacking liver': Sana Makbul's battle with autoimmune hepatitis
What's the story
Bigg Boss OTT 3 winner Sana Makbul recently opened up about her fight against an autoimmune liver disease on Bharti Singh's podcast. Since 2020, she has been living with autoimmune hepatitis, wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells. "I have a liver disease, it was diagnosed in 2020. It has no specific symptoms," she revealed.
Medical explanation
What does this disease mean?
Per Mayo Clinic, "Autoimmune hepatitis is a liver disease that happens when the body's immune system attacks the liver." "This can cause swelling, irritation and damage to the liver. The exact cause of autoimmune hepatitis is unclear, but genetic and environmental factors appear to interact over time to trigger the disease." "When diagnosed and treated early autoimmune hepatitis often can be controlled with medicines that suppress the immune system."
Lifestyle impact
Makbul's condition resembles lupus, affects lifestyle
Makbul's condition sometimes resembles Lupus, causing kidney problems or arthritis. "In this, my body cells are attacking the organ, so in my case, it's sometimes Lupus; it hits your kidneys or causes arthritis. Samantha Ruth Prabhu has myositis, which is a muscle condition. I have it with the liver." To cope with her health, she has turned vegan and has been on medication since 2020.
Health fluctuations
Makbul's health fluctuates, but she remains committed to her work
Despite the challenges, Makbul continues to remain committed to her work in the entertainment industry. She admitted that her health fluctuates and she doesn't know if it can be completely cured. "I take steroids, suppressants, some medicines. It's a lifestyle disorder, but with the autoimmune condition, the liver condition is a tricky thing." "My health keeps fluctuating, I don't know if this can be cured completely."
Emotional toll
Makbul also discussed the mental toll of chronic illness
Makbul also spoke about the mental and emotional toll of living with a chronic illness, especially in the public eye. "Social media sometimes affects me, and I also suffer bad days," she admitted. Apart from BB OTT 3, Makbul is known for projects such as Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?, Arjun, and Rangoon.