Primary biliary cirrhosis (primary biliary cholangitis) & bull; hello healthy

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Definition of primary biliary cirrhosis

What is primary biliary cirrhosis?

Primary or biliary cirrhosis primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a condition when the bile ducts are slowly damaged. Bile is a liquid produced by the liver that plays a role in the digestion of fats and the removal of metabolic waste.

Primary biliary cirrhosis is classified as an autoimmune disorder and is now referred to as primary biliary cholangitis (biliary cholangitis). This condition occurs because immune cells mistakenly attack the bile system.

When the bile duct is damaged, bile can flow back into the liver and cause permanent scar tissue in the liver. Over time, more scar tissue forms, causing hardening of the liver, known as cirrhosis.

How common is primary biliary cirrhosis?

Most cholangitis sufferers are women aged 30 to 60 years. You can prevent this disease by reducing the risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Primary biliary cirrhosis signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of primary biliary cirrhosis?

Many people with primary biliary cirrhosis do not experience any symptoms when first diagnosed with the disease. Some sufferers don't even show symptoms for years after being diagnosed.

However, there are also those who experience initial symptoms in the form of lethargy, itching all over the body, or itching only on the palms and feet. This complaint may also be accompanied by a change in skin color and the whites of the eyes turning yellow (jaundice).

Patients generally also show other signs in the form of:

• stomach ache,
• nausea,
• decreased appetite,
• weight loss, and
• arthritis.

As the disease worsens, new symptoms appear, such as:

• fatigue,
• easy body bruising,
• diarrhea,
• darkening of the urine,
• jaundice,
• the appearance of patches on the skin filled with fat (xanthoma),
• swelling of the feet and ankles (edema), as well
• buildup of fluid in the stomach (ascites).

Ascites is a typical symptom that occurs when a person has liver failure. Impaired liver function causes fluid buildup in the stomach. If left untreated, ascites can lead to respiratory problems and infections.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Biliary cholangitis can lead to dangerous complications if left untreated. Therefore, you should immediately consult a doctor if you think you are experiencing signs and symptoms of this disease.

Causes of primary biliary cirrhosis

What causes primary biliary cirrhosis?

The cause of primary biliary cirrhosis is not known with certainty, but the disease is strongly suspected to be associated with autoimmune disorders. According to many experts, sufferers tend to have an overactive immune system as a result of genetic factors.

Biliary cholangitis begins when white blood cells called T lymphocytes collect in the liver cells. Under normal conditions, T lymphocytes function to detect disease-causing germs and attack them to protect the body from infection.

However, in that case primary biliary cirrhosis , T lymphocytes actually accumulate in the liver and destroy the cells lining the bile ducts. T cells attack then cause inflammation that spreads to the bile-collecting ducts.

Inflammation of the bile duct continues to spread until it damages the liver cells. Liver cells die and are replaced by scar tissue or fibrosis. Over time, the number of fibrosis increases, causing cirrhosis.

Primary biliary cirrhosis risk factors

What increases my risk of getting this disease?

Here are the factors that increase your risk for experiencing primary biliary cirrhosis .

• Genetic factors. You are more at risk of developing biliary cholangitis if there are family members who have the condition.
• Gender. Most of the sufferers of this disease are women.
• Age. The risk of bile duct disease is higher in people aged 30 to 60 years.
• Residence. This disease is more common in Europe and North America.

Researchers also argue that a combination of genetic and environmental factors can make a person more susceptible to primary biliary cirrhosis. The various environmental factors in question include:

• smoking habit,
• exposure to toxic chemicals, and
• bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection.

Even if you don't have the risk factors above, that doesn't mean you can't get bile duct disease. Therefore, take care of the health of your bile and try to avoid risk factors that can be controlled.

Diagnosis & treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What tests are done to diagnose the disease?

Your doctor diagnoses biliary cholangitis based on your medical history and family history, a physical exam, and the results of a medical exam. First of all, the doctor will ask about your symptoms and whether you:

• have a history of autoimmune disorders,
• have family members who have been diagnosed with bile duct disease, and
• have had an infection or have been exposed to certain chemicals.

After that, the doctor will perform an examination of your stomach. Doctors generally check stomach sounds with a stethoscope, apply pressure to certain areas of the stomach to find the source of pain, and check whether your liver and spleen are enlarged.

If needed, the doctor can also suggest further tests such as the following.

• Blood test. This test can describe the condition of liver enzymes such as AST and ALT, the presence or absence of antimitochondrial antibodies, and the patient's blood cholesterol.
• Imaging test. These tests include x-rays, ultrasound, and CT examinations scan .
• Liver biopsy. The doctor takes a sample of liver tissue for further examination in the laboratory.

What are the treatment options available?

There is no specific treatment available for this disease. However, doctors can provide medicines to treat symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and prevent further complications.

The following drugs are generally given.

• Ursodeoxycholic acid or ursodiol to improve liver function and reduce scar tissue.
• Obeticholic acid to improve liver function.
• Fibrates to reduce liver inflammation and complaints of itching.
• Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine or the antibiotic rifampin to reduce itching.
• Cholestyramine to lower high cholesterol.
• Other drugs according to patient needs.
• Liver transplant when the liver is malfunctioning.

Home treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis

What are the home remedies that can be done?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you treat primary biliary cirrhosis.

• Perform back examination accurately to monitor the progress of your symptoms and health condition.
• Use the prescribed medication. Do not use drugs without a doctor's prescription or stop taking those that were prescribed.
• Reduce salt intake.
• Start getting more physical.
• Not smoking or consuming alcohol.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.