Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune disease, which means the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy bile ducts within the liver. It is not known why this happens, but certain environmental and genetic risk factors have been identified. PBC is also associated with other autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and Sjogren’s syndrome.
PBC is a rare chronic progressive liver disease that predominantly affects women aged 35-55 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 10:1. As the bile ducts progressively break down, bile flow is slowed, leading to bile building up in the liver. This scars the liver tissue, impairing function and progressing to fibrosis, cirrhosis and in the worst cases, liver failure. PBC develops slowly and symptoms of varying severity often appear post-diagnosis. Common symptoms include fatigue, itchy skin (pruritus), brain fog, joint and stock pain, dry eyes and jaundice.
The exact cause of PBC has yet to be identified, but risk factors including sex, age and family history, as well as environmental factors such as smoking, are thought to contribute to its onset. Alcohol is not a factor. There is no cure, but treatment helps slow disease progression and diet and lifestyle changes help manage symptoms.
Learn more about PBC prognosis
What is an autoimmune disease?
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks healthy tissue and organs. They are thought to be triggered by genes, the immune system and the patient’s immediate environment and are chronic conditions that take time to be diagnosed and often have no cure. There are certain symptoms common to autoimmune diseases, including fatigue, joint pain, skin problems, stomach pain and digestive problems and swollen glands. This makes diagnosis difficult, but also impacts quality of life and overall well-being.
People with PBC have trouble absorbing nutrients and vitamins and require dietary supplements of calcium, folic acid and vitamins A, C, D, E and K. Without this support, the body’s immunity can be impacted. Up to 70% of people with PBC also have another autoimmune disease.
How to support your immune system
Overall immunity has not been shown to be negatively affected by PBC. However, adopting a nutritious diet, taking vitamin supplements, reducing salt, alcohol and saturated fats and engaging in regular exercise can help manage symptoms, support liver function and protect the immune system. In people with PBC who have other autoimmune diseases, symptoms can overlap and at times feel overwhelming.
The successful management of PBC can help slow disease progression and improve quality of life.
