Biliary Cirrhosis:

Biliary Cirrhosis:

Biliary Cirrhosis also known as Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) or Primary Biliary Cholangitis is a condition of the liver caused due to autoimmunity (See: Autoimmunity). As an autoimmune disease, PBC is a condition in which the bile ducts (See: Bile Duct) are destroyed gradually. This leads to a buildup of substances in the liver that causes scarring to the tissues of the liver. Cirrhosis is the process of degeneration of the tissues leading to the development of scar tissue. This scar tissue stop the flow of blood due to the presence of scarred or fibrous tissue. This ultimately leads to the liver function being affected. PBC is known to be a genetic predisposition triggered by environmental factors. Symptoms of this condition include fatigue, itching, and dry mouth and eyes. Of note, people with PBC might remain without symptoms for a long time even after being diagnosed. In later stages of the condition, it manifests itself in the form of pain in the abdomen, musculoskeletal pain, swelling in the feet, high cholesterol levels, hypothyroidism, frequent fractures, fat deposits around eyes, and diarrhea. PBC is more common in women than in men and is known to be also triggered by smoking, environmental toxins, and parasitical infections. PBC leads to many complications including decreased mental abilities, vitamin deficiencies, osteoporosis, and liver cancer. Diagnosis of this condition is made using blood tests, ultrasound, x-ray, and MRI. Treatment of PBC includes medications and liver transplant. People with type 1 diabetes might be at a risk of PBC as both conditions share the same pathogenetic pathways. Also, people with PBC and diabetes benefit with better diabetes control by effective treatment of their PBC.