Contents
Primary Biliary Cholangitis: The Silent Liver Disease You Need to Know About
Published: May 01, 2024
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic liver disease that can silently damage your bile ducts. Learn why early detection and treatment are crucial for managing this condition.
Understanding PBC: The Basics
PBC is an autoimmune disease where your body mistakenly attacks the small bile ducts in your liver. This leads to bile buildup, which can cause liver damage over time. Think of it like a traffic jam in your liver's plumbing system, slowly causing problems if left unchecked.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
PBC often has no early symptoms, which is why it's called a 'silent' disease. When symptoms do appear, they may include fatigue, itchy skin, and dry eyes or mouth. Doctors diagnose PBC through blood tests and sometimes liver biopsies. Early diagnosis is key to starting treatment and slowing disease progression.
Treatment Options
The main treatment for PBC is a medication called ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). It's like a plumber for your liver, helping to improve bile flow. For some patients, additional medications may be needed if UDCA alone isn't enough. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol, can also help manage the disease.
Living with PBC
While PBC is a chronic condition, many people with proper treatment can lead normal lives. Regular check-ups and blood tests are important to monitor the disease. Some patients may eventually need a liver transplant, but early treatment can delay or prevent this need in many cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
PBC isn't curable, but it's often manageable with treatment.
PBC mainly affects women over 40, but anyone can develop it.
There's no known way to prevent PBC, but early detection helps.
Most PBC patients need check-ups every 3-6 months.
It's best to avoid alcohol if you have PBC.
The Bottom Line
While PBC is a serious condition, early diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly improve your quality of life and long-term outlook.
References
- Lindor KD, et al. Primary Biliary Cholangitis: 2018 Practice Guidance from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology 2019; 69:394.
- European Association for the Study of the Liver. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines: The diagnosis and management of patients with primary biliary cholangitis. J Hepatol 2017; 67:145.
- Lammers WJ, et al. Levels of alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin are surrogate end points of outcomes of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis: an international follow-up study. Gastroenterology 2014; 147:1338.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?