Organ transplant rejection

Organ transplant rejection happens when your body tries to destroy an organ that you have received. Your immune system protects you from infection and disease. It defends your body against foreign matter. So your body may attack the donor organ because the organ doesn't match your own tissue exactly.

Organ rejection can affect many body functions. These include blood pressure, breathing, digestion, bowel and bladder habits, and blood sugar levels. Some symptoms include:

• Fatigue (feeling tired).
• A general feeling of illness (malaise).
• Fever or chills.
• Shortness of breath.
• Nausea.
• Loss of appetite.
• Muscle aches.
• Sudden weight gain or swelling.
• Pain over the transplant site.
• Less urine output, if you had a kidney transplant.

You may have other symptoms caused by the organ you received. Sometimes there are no symptoms.

Blood tests may be done that can show if an organ is being rejected. These tests may be able to show the problem before symptoms start.

Organ rejection may be confirmed with a biopsy. This is a small sample of tissue taken from an organ.

Organ transplant rejection is treated with medicines that reduce your body's immune response. Your treatment depends on any other conditions you have. It may depend on how much time has passed since the transplant. Medicines that reduce your body's immune response can make it hard to fight infections. So you may also get medicines to prevent infections.

You may be treated in the hospital or at home. If you have other conditions, you're more likely to stay in the hospital.

You will be watched closely to be sure your medicines are working.