Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)

Primary Biliary Cholangitis, PBC, is a long term and serious disease of the liver. Because of the serious nature of PBC, you should work closely with your gastroenterologist from the very first diagnosis.

PBC

Primary Biliary Cholangitis, PBC, is a long term and serious disease of the liver. Because of the serious nature of PBC, you should work closely with your gastroenterologist from the very first diagnosis.

PBC is thought to be an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune means that your bodies own immune system, designed to fight infections, begins to attack an organ or system of your body. In this case, the liver is the target.

The process of PBC affects the bile ducts within the liver. Bile is a liquid produced by the liver to help your body digest fat and fat -soluble vitamins found in your meals. The bile is transported through the liver via a network of ducts; know as the biliary ducts. and then is drained out into either the gall bladder or the small intestine. Over time the damage caused to the duct prevents the bile from draining out of the liver. This back up can cause permanent damage to the liver, eventually scarring the liver and leading to a condition known as cirrhosis.

Some people with PBC have no symptoms. But when symptoms are present they can include dry skin, hives, pain in the joints, dry eyes, unexplained weight loss, and pain in the upper right abdomen.