Do I Have Pbc?

Swollen feet and ankles (edema) Buildup of fluid in the abdomen due to liver failure (ascites) Fatty deposits (xanthomas) on the skin around the eyes, eyelids or in the creases of the palms, soles, elbows or knees. Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

How do you know if you have PBC?

To diagnose PBC, a doctor will ask about your medical and family history, do a physical exam, order blood tests and other medical tests. Doctors use a blood test to look for a specific substance in the blood called anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA). The presence of this substance almost always confirms PBC.

Is PBC a terminal illness?

Primary biliary cholangitis is a chronic, progressive cholestatic liver disorder that is caused by an autoimmune attack on small bile ducts and that occurs almost exclusively in women aged 35 to 70. PBC typically progresses to a terminal stage over 15 to 20 years.