Organ Rejection Explained: What It Is and What You Can Do

If you or a loved one has had a transplant, the word "rejection" can feel scary. In plain terms, organ rejection is your immune system mistaking the new organ for an invader and trying to attack it. This reaction can happen weeks, months, or even years after surgery. Knowing the signs and having a plan can keep the problem from getting out of hand.

Common Types of Rejection and Their Signs

There are three main ways the body can reject a transplanted organ:

• Hyperacute rejection: Happens right away, often during the operation. The organ stops working within minutes. Surgeons watch for it in the operating room.
• Acute rejection: Shows up days to months later. Symptoms depend on the organ. For a kidney, you might see swelling, less urine, or pain in the side. For a liver, you could feel abdominal pain, jaundice, or fever.
• Chronic rejection: Builds up slowly over years. It’s harder to spot because the organ just gets less efficient over time.

Whenever you notice new pain, swelling, fever, or a change in how the organ works, call your transplant team right away. Early treatment works best.

How Doctors Keep Rejection in Check

The backbone of prevention is medication. Immunosuppressants calm down the immune system so it doesn’t attack the new organ. The most common drugs include tacrolimus (Prograf), cyclosporine, mycophenolate, and steroids. Doctors usually start with a strong dose and then lower it as you settle in.

Sticking to the schedule is crucial. Skipping a dose can let the immune system gear up and cause a flare‑up. Many patients use pill boxes or phone reminders to stay on track.

Beyond meds, regular check‑ups matter. Blood tests can show if the drug levels are right and if the organ is under stress. Imaging scans or biopsies may be ordered if something looks off.

Living a healthy lifestyle helps too. Don’t smoke, limit alcohol, eat balanced meals, and keep active as your doctor advises. These habits lower overall inflammation, making it easier for meds to do their job.

If rejection does occur, doctors have tools to fight it. Short courses of high‑dose steroids are the first line. If that isn’t enough, they might add other drugs or adjust the current mix. In severe cases, a second transplant could be considered, but that’s rare.

Bottom line: organ rejection is a real risk, but it’s manageable. Knowing the warning signs, taking meds exactly as prescribed, and staying in close contact with your care team give you the best chance for a long, healthy life with your new organ.