How does primary biliary cirrhosis develop?
The condition is caused by an abnormal immune response in which antibodies are produced attacking the body’s own liver. Bile, a liquid produced by the liver to aid digestion, normally leaves the liver through the bile ducts. In PBC, the bile ducts become inflamed, blocking the flow of bile from the liver. This causes the bile to build up, which damages the liver. As the inflammation spreads through out the liver, scar tissue develops causing more devastating problems. As the disease is in its final stage, cirrhosis is likely to develop, causing the liver to stop functioning. What are the symptoms of primary biliary cirrhosis ? Itching and fatigue are the first symptoms of primary biliary cirrhosis . These symptoms could precede other evidences of the disease by months or years. As the disease progresses, symptoms include small yellow deposits in the skin or eyelids, increased skin pigmentation and jaundice, fingertip enlargement, and abnormalities of the bones, nerves, and kidneys. Sto
