Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) in Texas
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Find a ProviderWhat is primary biliary cholangitis?
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 at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants from the very first diagnosis.
PBC is thought to be an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body's 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, known as biliary ducts, and then is drained out into either the gallbladder or the small intestine. Over time, the damage caused to the duct prevents the bile from draining out of the liver. This backup can cause permanent damage to the liver, eventually scarring the liver and leading to a condition known as cirrhosis.
Treating primary biliary cholangitis in Texas is important to maintaining your overall health. For more information on this liver disease or to request a consultation, contact a Texas Digestive Disease Consultants location near you.
What are the symptoms of primary biliary cholangitis?
Some people with primary biliary cholangitis in Texas have no symptoms. When symptoms are present, however, they can include:
- Dry skin
- Hives
- Pain in the joints
- Dry eyes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to contact Texas Digestive Disease Consultants as soon as possible so we can diagnose and treat them properly.
How is PBC treated?
There is no cure at this time for primary biliary cholangitis. However, there are medications to manage your symptoms and slow down PBC. There are medications to help remove bile from the liver, which can prevent the progression of liver disease and improve liver function. There are also ways to treat symptoms, such as itching, with over-the-counter medications.
In some cases, PBC can lead to osteoporosis or the thinning of bones. In these instances, we may recommend treatment to help strengthen the bones.
Diagnose, treat, and manage primary biliary cholangitis in Texas
Primary biliary cholangitis is a chronic disease that injures the bile ducts and leads to permanent liver damage. If left untreated, PBC can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), which may cause liver failure or even death. At Texas Digestive Disease Consultants, we take this condition very seriously and are here to help individuals with PBC manage their health. If you have primary biliary cholangitis in Texas, we urge you to request a consultation with one of our GI specialists today.
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