Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) in Baton Rouge, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is primary biliary cholangitis?
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an uncommon, chronic liver condition. You may know it as primary biliary cirrhosis, as it was once called. PBC is a degenerative immune system disease that slowly damages the bile ducts (known as the intrahepatic bile ducts) in the liver. Bile aids with breaking down fats and carries away bad cholesterol, waste, and worn-out red blood cells. This disease might also cause serious problems within your liver. When the bile ducts become damaged or destroyed, this allows bile to accumulate in your liver and cause scarring. If the liver becomes too damaged, it may cause cirrhosis of the liver.
If you want to learn more about or get treatment for primary biliary cholangitis in Baton Rouge, LA, we encourage you to request an appointment at a Gastroenterology Associates location near you.
What causes PBC?
Primary biliary cholangitis is an immune system condition. This means that your immune system harms normal tissues and cells. An inflamed liver happens when white blood cells, called T cells (T lymphocytes), accumulate and harm healthy cells in the liver. Swelling in the small ducts expands to additional portions of the liver, harming those cells and causing scarring. As your liver scars more and more, it begins to function inadequately, resulting in cirrhosis. It is unclear what causes these T cells to harm healthy cells, but it seems inherited.
Risk factors
A number of the risk variables connected with having primary biliary cholangitis include:
- Specific infections
- Geography (Primary biliary cholangitis is more widespread in North America and northern Europe)
- Being a female
- Tobacco use and exposure to other toxic chemicals
- Genetics (people are at an increased risk of primary biliary cholangitis if a family member has gotten it)
- Being 30 – 60 years old
What are the symptoms of PBC?
Normally, symptoms of PBC do not appear until five years to two decades after diagnosis. The detection of PBC commonly happens while testing for different issues. The early indicators of PBC include tiredness, dry eyes and mouth, and skin itching.
Other common markers of PBC are:
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Swelling of the feet and ankles
- Fragile bones
- Dark and greasy stools
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark skin not connected to sun exposure
- High levels of cholesterol
- Painful joints
- Musculoskeletal pain
It is important to identify primary biliary cholangitis as soon as feasible. In the event that you think you may be at risk of having PBC related to your genetics, or any one or more of the above symptoms, our Baton Rouge, LA GI doctors can provide a solution.
What are the treatments for PBC?
At present, there is no cure for primary biliary cholangitis. Intervention focuses on delaying the advancement of the disease and addressing the symptoms. A number of the common treatment recommendations are:
- Obeticholic acid (aids liver function)
- Fibrates (reduce liver inflammation and itching)
- Vitamins
- Physical fitness
- Ursodeoxycholic acid (helps move bile out of your liver)
- Liver transplant
The approximate expected lifespan of a person with PBC once they begin displaying symptoms is a decade if they do not get a transplanted liver. While there is no cure, patients will be able to receive the therapy required to have a better quality of life. Our GI physicians are here to consult with you regarding the options for treatment accessible to you.
Receive treatment for PBC
If you or a family member are experiencing the symptoms or signs of PBC, please know that personalized treatment is obtainable. The GI doctors at Gastroenterology Associates are proud to offer treatment options to help you handle your liver problem and acquire better vitality and well-being. To consult with a provider who offers care for primary biliary cholangitis in Baton Rouge, LA, contact your nearest location to request a consultation.
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