Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)

Overview

PBC slowly damages the small bile ducts in the liver.

Many people have no symptoms when it's found on a blood test.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Tiredness and itching

Less common

• Dry eyes and mouth

Look up a symptom: Fatigue · Itching · Yellow skin or eyes

When to get medical care

Causes

Immune.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Women over 40

Possible complications

• Cirrhosis (liver scarring): If not treated
• Osteoporosis (bone loss): Common with PBC

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Blood tests:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Moisturize for itching
• Avoid alcohol

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gastroenterologist (stomach and gut doctor) or a surgeon.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Women 40 to 60: About 9 in 10 people with PBC are women.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Outlook depends on the cause; early care helps.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)