Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease in which your body's immune system gradually attacks the small bile ducts inside the liver. As these ducts become damaged, bile builds up, causing inflammation and scarring (cirrhosis). Early detection and management can help slow disease progression and preserve liver function.
PBC often has no symptoms in its early stages. As the disease advances, you may notice:
The exact cause of PBC is unknown, but several factors increase the risk:
At GastroDoxs, our Houston team specializes in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) care, offering board-certified expertise, on-site testing, and individualized treatment plans. From ursodeoxycholic acid to symptom relief and lifestyle guidance, we're dedicated to slowing disease progression and improving your quality of life. Don't wait-book your appointment today and partner with us for compassionate, patient-centered PBC care.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
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Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis is a chronic autoimmune liver disease in which the body's immune system attacks the small bile ducts, leading to bile buildup, inflammation, and gradual scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver.
Early on, you may have no symptoms. As PBC progresses, common signs include fatigue, itchy skin, dry eyes or mouth, upper right abdominal discomfort, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, and pale stools.
PBC is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests (including anti-mitochondrial antibodies or AMA), imaging studies such as ultrasound, and sometimes a liver biopsy to assess the extent of duct damage and scarring.
While both are chronic cholestatic liver diseases, PBC primarily affects small intrahepatic bile ducts in women and involves an autoimmune process. PSC affects larger bile ducts, is more common in men, and often coexists with inflammatory bowel disease.
The ICD-10 code for Primary Biliary Cirrhosis is K74.3, which is used for medical records, billing, and insurance purposes.
There is no cure for PBC, but treatments like ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), obeticholic acid, symptom-relief medications, and lifestyle modifications can slow disease progression and improve quality of life.
Yes. Gastroenterologists are trained to manage liver diseases, including PBC, offering diagnostics, medication management, regular monitoring, and patient education.
No, PBC is not curable. However, early diagnosis and adherence to treatment and lifestyle recommendations can effectively manage symptoms and slow liver damage.
You should consult a healthcare provider if you experience persistent fatigue, unexplained itching, dry eyes or mouth, upper right abdominal discomfort, or if routine liver tests return abnormal results.
For expert PBC care in Houston, visit GastroDoxs. Our board-certified gastroenterologists provide personalized treatment plans, on-site testing, and compassionate support for patients and families.
