Remedies For Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Primary biliary cholangitis is a chronic autoimmune condition marked by the slow destruction of bile ducts in the liver. Bile is a substance the liver produces, and it helps digestion and clearing toxins, fats, and old blood cells. Damaged bile ducts upset the flow of bile leading to liver damage. Early symptoms of the disease are fatigue, skin irritation, and dryness of mucous membranes. In later stages, symptoms can escalate and include muscle and joint pain, swelling, changes in skin pigmentation, elevated cholesterol, fluid retention, diarrhea, weak bones, and weight loss. Get to know the best remedies for primary biliary cholangitis now.

Liver Transplant

A liver transplant is usually considered when treatment of primary biliary cholangitis is no longer successful through the use of medication. The liver is our body’s largest inner organ and is responsible for many of its more complex processes. Some of its duties include protein production, nutrient breakdown, filtering of toxins from the blood, and of course, bile production. A transplant will replace the damaged liver with a viable one from a donor, thus increasing the patient’s chances of recovery and a long life. However, there are cases in which patients who have undergone a transplant experience a recurrence of the disease.

Keep reading to learn about other major treatments for primary biliary cholangitis now.

Medications

Without a cure for primary biliary cholangitis, medications are the primary method of treatment. They can help slow the momentum of the disease and reduce the risk of complications. Some drugs focus on easing the symptoms of primary biliary cholangitis while others are aimed at improving liver function. For example, ursodeoxycholic acid helps by stimulating the flow of bile. When combined with other medications, these drugs have the power to tackle a wider range of symptoms such as itching and inflammation. As with any medication, side effects are possible, so patients should be sure to consult with their primary healthcare provider to fully understand the risks and benefits before starting a medication.

Learn more about how primary biliary cholangitis can be treated now.