Symptoms and signs of autoimmune hepatitis

Apr 12, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Jiang Weimin

Introduction

Autoimmune hepatitis is a viral hepatitis, usually caused by the hepatitis B virus. Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis include fatigue and weakness, upper abdominal discomfort and pain, palpitations and shortness of breath, changes in appetite and body weight, and emotional and cognitive issues. Physical signs include tenderness in the liver area, abdominal obesity, jaundice, elevated blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome. The details are as follows:

Autoimmune hepatitis is a type of viral hepatitis, usually caused by the hepatitis B virus. Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis include fatigue and weakness, discomfort and pain in the upper abdomen, palpitations and shortness of breath, changes in appetite and weight, and emotional and cognitive issues. Signs include tenderness in the liver area, abdominal obesity, jaundice, elevated blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome. Specific details are as follows:

I. Symptoms

1. Fatigue and Weakness

Patients with autoimmune hepatitis often experience persistent fatigue and weakness, which is difficult to relieve even after rest.

2. Discomfort and Pain in the Upper Abdomen

Some patients may experience discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, possibly due to liver swelling or inflammation.

3. Palpitations and Shortness of Breath

Some individuals may feel palpitations and shortness of breath, which could be related to cardiovascular complications associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

4. Changes in Appetite and Weight

Some patients may suffer from loss of appetite or weight loss, while others may experience increased appetite and weight gain.

5. Emotional and Cognitive Issues

Some patients may experience mood instability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating, among other cognitive problems.

II. Signs

1. Tenderness in the Liver Area

During physical examination, doctors may detect tenderness over the liver region, which may indicate liver inflammation or enlargement.

2. Abdominal Obesity

Patients may develop accumulation of abdominal fat, resulting in so-called "apple-shaped" obesity, one of the common signs of autoimmune hepatitis.

3. Jaundice

When autoimmune hepatitis progresses to an advanced stage, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) may occur, indicating impaired liver function.

4. Elevated Blood Pressure

Some patients may show signs of high blood pressure, which is associated with the link between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular risk.

5. Metabolic Syndrome

Patients may present signs of metabolic syndrome, including hypertension, high blood glucose, high cholesterol, and abdominal obesity.

It should be noted that if any of the above signs appear, prompt medical evaluation for diagnosis and treatment is necessary.

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What are the nine items included in autoimmune hepatitis panel?

In general, the "nine-item liver test panel" refers to nine common self-paid examinations for assessing liver health, including liver function tests, hepatitis virus screening, virological markers of liver function, liver ultrasound, abdominal CT scan, liver MRI, hepatic angiography, liver biopsy, and liver function evaluation. These nine self-paid tests help evaluate the functional status of the liver.

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How do you get autoimmune hepatitis?

Autoimmune hepatitis, also known as autoimmune liver disease, is a chronic progressive liver inflammatory condition mediated by an autoimmune response. It may be caused by factors such as genetic predisposition, bacterial infection, medications, malnutrition, or viral infections. In daily life, it's important to maintain a balanced diet and limit alcohol consumption. Additionally, patients should seek timely medical care at a hospital for standardized treatment to prevent disease progression.