PBC a chronic disease characterized by progressive inflammation and destruction of small bile ducts within the liver. The bile ducts transport bile from the liver to the intestine for the absorption of fat and elimination of waste products.
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), formerly known as primary biliary cirrhosis, is a chronic disease of the liver, presumably autoimmune in nature, that leads to progressive cholestasis and often end-stage liver disease. The name change reflects the fact that cirrhosis occurs only in the late stage and therefore does not correctly identify patients with early-stage disease.
Feeling exhausted is the most common symptom
Intense itchiness in any part of the body
Pain or pressure in the liver area
Stomach discomfort with an urge to vomit
No hunger or interest in food
Drastic drop in body weight and fat
Feeling of sand in eyes or drying in mouth
Loose stools and frequent bowel movement
Inflammation and damage to the walls
Blockage of the small bile ducts
Third stage is beginning of scarring
Cirrhosis and permanent damage to liver
Formation of an abnormally large amount of scar tissue in the liver.
Increased pressure in the portal veins caused by blockage in the blood flow
A condition that occurs when the spleen becomes enlarged
Hardened deposits of cholesterol and bile that form in the gallbladder
Increased risk of weak, brittle bones that break easily
Abnormal sized veins that occur when normal blood flow is blocked
Liver scarring (Cirrhosis) increases your risk of liver cancer
Lack of bile affects the digestive system's ability to absorb vitamins like A,D, E & K
Hepatic Encephalopathy is common and leads to memory & concentration problems