Primary Biliary Cirrhosis - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

More than half of people with primary biliary cirrhosis do not have any symptoms. This disease is detected only through a blood test. It takes 5 to 20 years for symptoms to develop. However, there are some common symptoms, which include pain in bones and joints, always feeling tired, and itching in the skin. Come, let us know about the symptoms of primary biliary cirrhosis -

• Bones and joint pain
• Feeling tired all the time
• Itchy skin
• Dry eyes and mouth
• Upper right abdominal pain
• Swollen spleen
• Foot and ankle swelling
• Fluid build-up in the abdomen due to liver failure
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
• Weakening of bones, risk of fractures
• Diarrhea
• Underactive thyroid
• Weight loss

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The cause of primary biliary cirrhosis is not yet known clearly, but according to research, it is believed to be an autoimmune disease. In this, the body turns against its cells. Researchers believe that this autoimmune response is triggered by environmental and genetic factors.

Liver inflammation in primary biliary cirrhosis begins when certain types of white blood cells begin to accumulate in the liver. These white blood cells are also called T cells. Normally, these immune cells detect and attack bacteria and viruses, but in primary biliary cirrhosis, they mistakenly destroy healthy cells that line the small bile ducts of the liver.

Inflammation occurs in the small ducts and eventually damages other liver cells. As soon as the cells are destroyed, scar tissue i.e. fibrosis comes into their place, which leads to cirrhosis. In cirrhosis, the liver tissue gets damaged and as a result, the liver stops working properly.

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There is no cure for primary biliary cirrhosis, but with the help of some medicines, the process of becoming more serious can be slowed down. Come, let us know in detail about the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis -

Primary biliary cirrhosis is a liver disease in which the condition worsens over time. Its symptoms include pain in the bones and joints, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, and dryness of the eyes and mouth. Nothing is clear about its cause, but according to research, it is an auto-immune disease. For the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis, along with giving medicines based on symptoms, the doctor also advises the use of medicines like fibrates, ursodeoxycholic acid, and budesonide. When the liver stops working, it is asked to get a liver transplant done.

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