B) Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis
The most common symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis include jaundice, abdominal pain, and fatigue, which is similar to alcoholic hepatitis. Other symptoms include:
- Joint pain: In autoimmune hepatitis, joint pain can be caused by inflammation of the synovium in joints. This inflammation can also be triggered by autoimmune damage and can be linked to lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, which are also autoimmune conditions.
- Dark urine: In all types of hepatitis, dark urine is associated with increased bilirubin levels in the blood. Bilirubin is a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells. As bilirubin accumulates in the blood, it turns brownish-red, creating a dark color in the urine.
- Pale stools: All types of hepatitis also feature pale stools, which are also caused by an exchange of bilirubin. Instead of being released by the gallbladder to the gut, it stays in the liver and accumulates in the blood.
