Have_You_Heard_of_Pbc

Have you heard of PBC Primary biliary cirrhosis can cause liver damage PBC (Primary Biliary Cirrhosis) is and autoimmune disease. PBC affects mostly the female population .PBC is a disease that slowly destroys the bile ducts within the liver. When the ducts are damaged or destroyed the bile acid buildup in the liver causing cirrhosis. Eventually the liver stops functioning. Some people are asymptomatic and some experience fatigue, lack of appetite, pain and aching on the right side of the abdomen, yellowing of the skin edema in ankles and abdomen, dark pigmentation of the skin and swelling around the eyes. The cause of PBC is unknown, but some studies show that PBC run in families. Others research show that PBC might be triggered by the abnormities of the immune system, an infection, stress or the environmental factors. Gender and age increase the risk of PBC. Primary Biliary Cirrhosis disease has never been diagnosed in childhood. There are disorders that can be associated with PBC such as dry eyes and mouth, arthritis, thyroid conditions, renal stones and gallstones, and osteoporosis. Primary Biliary Cirrhosis is discovered through abnormal liver blood tests which reveal elevated levels of liver enzymes (alkaline phosphalase and antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) in the blood. This test is positive in nearly all PBC patients. There are other tests which include CAT scan, an ultrasound and a liver biopsy. Currently there is no cure for PBC; therefore treatment is aimed at slowing the progress of the disease, relieving symptoms and preventing complications. The drug Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA or ursodiol) must be taken every day for life. A liver transplant is required only when drug treatment no longer controls PBC and the liver begins to fail. Studies conclude that environmental factors, infectious agents, urinary infections or chemicals in cigarette smoke may induce PBC in genetically susceptible individuals. Exogenous estrogen which is a female hormone may help to explain why the disease is found in females only. In the meantime these studies provide important information that can help Doctors to screen, diagnose, and treat more patients before the disease cause complete liver damage. I think that these tests are important because if they are done in early stages along with the right medicine might slow the progress of the disease and more women can live life to the fullest.