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Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease damaging small bile ducts, causing bile buildup and liver injury. In Houston, Dr. Bharat Pothuri at GastroDoxs provides expert diagnosis, personalized treatments, and comprehensive support to help manage PBC effectively.

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Difficulty Swallowing

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

About the Expert

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the founder of GastroDoxs. 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.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Autoimmune attack on small bile ducts
Female gender (most common in women aged 40-60)
Family history of primary biliary cholangitis
Presence of other autoimmune diseases (e.g., thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome)
Genetic predisposition combined with environmental triggers

Signs and Symptoms

Often none in early stages
Fatigue or extreme tiredness
Itching (pruritus) of the skin
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Dark urine and pale stools
Dry eyes and dry mouth
Discomfort or fullness in the upper right abdomen

Expert Treatment for Primary Biliary Cirrhosis by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

Dr. Pothuri uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Exam

He reviews your health history, asking specifically about fatigue, itching, epigastric or upper-abdominal discomfort, past illnesses, alcohol use and any family history of autoimmune liver disease.

Blood Tests

We obtain liver enzyme panels (alkaline phosphatase, GGT, AST/ALT) and check for antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) and other markers to confirm PBC and exclude alternate causes of liver injury.

Imaging Studies

Abdominal ultrasound examines liver texture and bile duct anatomy, ruling out stones or large-duct obstruction.
MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) provides detailed imaging of both intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts.

Advanced Testing (if needed)

In select cases, a liver biopsy is performed to directly visualize bile duct injury, assess inflammation and stage the disease.

Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for primary biliary cholangitis.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

Eat a well-balanced diet with lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Limit salt intake to reduce swelling and fluid buildup
Stay active with light exercises such as walking or stretching
Avoid alcohol to protect your liver from further damage

2. Medications

Ursodeoxycholic acid to improve bile flow and slow liver injury
Obeticholic acid as an add-on if ursodiol alone isn't enough
Cholestyramine or select antihistamines to relieve itching

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

Endoscopic techniques to open or stent blocked bile ducts
Liver biopsy for definitive diagnosis and staging
Transplant evaluation for patients with advanced, treatment-resistant disease

Call Us 832-632-4070 Schedule Now Click Here Text Us 832-632-4070

1.5K

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

About the Author

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the early signs of primary biliary cholangitis?

Fatigue and itchy skin are often the first signs. Routine blood tests may show elevated liver enzymes before noticeable symptoms appear.

What is the difference between PBC and PSC?

PBC affects the small bile ducts and primarily occurs in women, involving antimitochondrial antibodies. PSC affects both small and large bile ducts and is often associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

Can diet cure primary biliary cholangitis?

No. While a balanced diet supports liver health, it cannot reverse PBC. Medication such as ursodeoxycholic acid is still required to slow disease progression.

How often should I return for checkups?

Most patients are seen every three to six months, depending on symptoms, blood-test results, and disease stage.

Is a liver transplant the only cure for PBC?

A liver transplant is the only definitive cure, but it's reserved for advanced stages when other treatments are no longer effective.

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