Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) in Thibodaux, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is PBC (primary biliary cholangitis)?
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), formerly called primary biliary cirrhosis, is a rare chronic liver condition. It is a progressive immune system disorder that steadily harms the bile ducts (called the intrahepatic bile ducts) within the liver. Bile assists in digestion and rids your body of LDL cholesterol, toxins, and worn-out red blood cells. This disease may additionally cause serious problems within the liver. If the bile ducts become impaired or destroyed, then bile can accumulate in your liver and cause scarring. When the liver incurs too much damage, it might cause liver cirrhosis.
To learn more details about this issue or to get therapy for primary biliary cholangitis in Thibodaux, LA, we invite you to request a consultation at one of our locations. Our Digestive Health Center GI specialists are proud to offer personalized treatments for patients in Louisiana.
What causes primary biliary cholangitis?
PBC is an autoimmune disorder that convinces your body to mistakenly fight off normal cells and tissues. The inflammation of the liver exists when white blood cells, referred to as T cells (T lymphocytes), begin to accumulate and attack healthy liver cells. Inflammation in the small ducts progresses to additional parts of the liver, harming those cells and leaving scarring. Once the liver scarring increases, it begins to function improperly, leading to cirrhosis. It is unclear what makes these T cells destroy normal cell tissue, although it appears to be genetic.
Factors of increased risk
Some of the risk variables related to having PBC are:
- Region or country (PBC is most common in North America and northern Europe)
- Specific infections
- Age 30 – 60 years
- Smoking and similar toxins
- Family history of PBC
- Being a woman
If you would like additional details regarding primary biliary cholangitis and the way it impacts the body, talk to a digestive health provider at Digestive Health Center today.
What are the warning signs of PBC?
Many times, symptoms of PBC will not appear for about five years to two decades after diagnosis. Usually, the diagnosis of PBC often happens while looking for other conditions. The beginning indicators of PBC include fatigue, dry mouth and eyes, and itching of the skin.
Additional standard symptoms of PBC are:
- Muscle soreness
- Diarrhea and greasy stools
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Joint discomfort
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Darkened skin that is not a result of sun exposure
- Fragile bones
- Swelling of the feet and ankles
- High cholesterol
It is imperative to diagnose primary biliary cholangitis as early as possible. In the event that you feel like you may be in danger of having PBC due to your genetics or if you're experiencing any combination of the above symptoms, our Thibodaux, LA gastroenterologists are here to help.
What are the treatments for PBC?
Right now, there is no way to reverse primary biliary cholangitis. There is therapy available, however, to focus on delaying the progression of the condition and addressing associated symptoms. A number of the standard treatment choices are:
- Ursodeoxycholic acid (helps flush bile through the liver)
- Vitamin or mineral supplements (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, calcium, folic acid, or iron)
- Exercise
- Cholesterol-lowering medicines (decrease itching and liver inflammation)
- Obeticholic acid (helps liver health)
- Liver transplant
The standard life expectancy for a person with PBC after they start displaying symptoms is about 10 years if they do not get a healthy liver from a donor. Although there is no remedy, individuals can get the treatment required to live a more vibrant life. Our GI doctors are ready to help you explore the choices for treatment accessible to you.
Receive care for PBC
When you or a family member could be showing the symptoms or signs of primary biliary cholangitis, rest assured that personalized assistance is available. The digestive health providers at Digestive Health Center are happy to offer therapy options to allow you to handle your liver condition and improve your overall health and quality of life. To talk to a GI specialist who offers therapy for primary biliary cholangitis in Thibodaux, LA, we encourage you to contact your nearest Digestive Health Center today.
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