Primary Biliary Cholangitis (Primary Biliary Cirrhosis)
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Definition & Facts
Primary biliary cholangitis is a chronic disease in which the small bile ducts in the liver become injured and inflamed and are eventually destroyed. When there are no bile ducts, bile builds up and causes liver damage.
Symptoms & Causes
Common early symptoms of primary biliary cholangitis are feeling tired and having itchy skin. Many people have no symptoms when they are first diagnosed. Experts aren’t sure what causes primary biliary cholangitis, but genes and environmental triggers may play a role.
Diagnosis
Primary biliary cholangitis is a chronic disease in which the small bile ducts in the liver become injured and inflamed and are eventually destroyed. When there are no bile ducts, bile builds up and causes liver damage.
Treatment
Doctors treat primary biliary cholangitis with medicines. Doctors may treat the symptoms and complications of the disease with medicines, dietary supplements, changes in diet and lifestyle, and medical procedures.
Eating, Diet, & Nutrition
A healthy, well-balanced diet is important in all stages of primary biliary cholangitis. Your doctor can recommend a healthy eating plan that provides enough calories and nutrients to help your liver work properly and manage complications.
Related Conditions & Diseases
Related Diagnostic Tests
Related Research
Clinical Trials
The NIDDK conducts and supports clinical trials in many diseases and conditions, including liver diseases. The trials look to find new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease and improve quality of life.
This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
The NIDDK would like to thank:
John Moore Vierling, M.D., Baylor College of Medicine