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Autoimmune Hepatitis
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Symptoms of Autoimmune Hepatitis
Fatigue is probably the most common symptom of autoimmune hepatitis. Other symptoms include:
- An enlarged liver
- Jaundice
- Itching
- Skin rashes
- Joint pain
- Abdominal discomfort
- Spider angiomas, or abnormal blood vessels, on the skin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine
- Pale or gray colored stools
People in advanced stages of the disease are more likely to have symptoms related to chronic liver disease, such as fluid in the abdomen - also called ascites - and mental confusion. Women may stop having menstrual periods.
Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis range from mild to severe. Because severe viral hepatitis or hepatitis caused by a drug, for example, certain antibiotics, have the same symptoms as autoimmune hepatitis, tests may be needed for an exact diagnosis. Doctors should also review and rule out all medicines a patient is taking before diagnosing autoimmune hepatitis.
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References:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
April 2008
digestive.niddk.nih.gov
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