Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) in Ocean Springs, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat is primary biliary cholangitis?
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), once known as primary biliary cirrhosis, is a rare chronic liver condition. Primary biliary cholangitis is a degenerative autoimmune condition that slowly harms the liver's bile ducts (known as the intrahepatic bile ducts). Bile assists in breaking down fats and flushes out bad cholesterol, waste products, and worn-out red blood cells. This disease might also give rise to serious issues within the liver. If the bile ducts become impaired or dysfunctional, bile can build up in your liver, resulting in scarring. If the liver incurs too much damage, it could lead to liver cirrhosis.
To learn more about this condition or to find treatment for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in Ocean Springs, MS, we invite you to request a consultation at a nearby practice. Our Digestive Health Center providers are here to offer individualized treatments for individuals throughout the community.
What is the cause of primary biliary cholangitis?
Primary biliary cholangitis is an immune system condition. This means that the body mistakenly fights off healthy cells and tissues. Liver inflammation occurs when white blood cells, called T cells (T lymphocytes), begin to collect and attack healthy cells in the liver. Inflammation in the bile ducts advances to other places in the liver, killing these cells and leading to scar tissue. Once your liver scarring increases, it begins to work inadequately, resulting in cirrhosis. It is unclear what makes these T cells destroy normal cell tissue, but it appears to be inherited.
Risk factors
A few of the risk factors connected with having primary biliary cholangitis include:
- Being a female
- Smoking and other toxins
- Being 30 – 60 years old
- Specific infections
- Region or country (primary biliary cholangitis is most prevalent in northern Europe and North America)
- Family history (individuals are at an elevated risk of primary biliary cholangitis if a family member has experienced it)
If you would like additional information about PBC and how it functions in a person's body, get in touch with a GI specialist at your nearest Digestive Health Center today.
What are the indicators of PBC?
Usually, symptoms of PBC will not show up until 5 – 20 years after detection. The detection of PBC commonly happens while testing for different conditions. The first signs of PBC include tiredness, dry eyes and mouth, and itching skin.
Other common signs of PBC include:
- Joint pain
- Dark skin not related to sun rays
- Muscle or joint pain
- High cholesterol
- Diarrhea and greasy bowel movements
- Upper right abdominal pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Brittle bones
- Swelling of the feet and ankles
It is vital to detect primary biliary cholangitis as early as possible. If you think you may be at risk due to experiencing one or more of the listed symptoms or have a family history of PBC, our Ocean Springs, MS digestive health specialists are here to help.
What are the treatments for PBC?
There is currently no cure for primary biliary cholangitis. Treatment focuses on delaying the development of the condition and addressing the complications. Some of the standard treatment recommendations are:
- Fibrates (reduce liver inflammation and itching)
- Vitamin supplements
- Liver transplant
- Ursodeoxycholic acid (works to flush bile through your liver)
- Obeticholic acid (promotes liver health)
- Getting physical activity
The average expected lifespan of an individual with PBC once they start displaying symptoms is a decade unless they get a donor liver. Though there is no remedy, individuals can receive the necessary treatment for improved wellness. Our GI providers will walk you through the treatment options available to you.
Locate treatment for primary biliary cholangitis
If you or a family member might be experiencing the symptoms or signs of primary biliary cholangitis, rest assured that personalized assistance is available. The digestive health specialists at Digestive Health Center are proud to render treatment options to allow you to address this liver problem and acquire improved health and wellness. If you want to consult with a local provider who offers care for primary biliary cholangitis in Ocean Springs, MS, contact our office today to request a consultation.
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Dr McNair has treated me since 1983. My Mother n law was seriously ill in SRH. Dr McNair came in ICU and saved her life. That year 1983 I made an appt to be one of his patients. He had not been on the Coast very long at all. But took me as new patient…I still am a patient of Dr A McNair. He’s Brilliant. I love the whole team❤️ May 1, 2023
Amazing physician!!! Always listens to your concerns and has amazing bedside manner! She is very kind, thorough, and patient! Definitely recommend!!!
I am definitely appreciative & thankful for Dr. Angela Pressley Wallace. She is very easy to work with, honest, understanding, very knowledgeable about her career being a physician, cares for her patients, terrific leader, kind hearted, genuine. One of the best & top Gastroenterologist Physicians in the Gulfport, MS area. I highly recommend Dr. Angela Pressley Wallace❗️You will not be disappointed.
I’ve been in many doctors’ offices because my mom is a nurse. Dr McNair and his staff are the best of the best. Great office, great attitudes, hard workers 👍
My first visit was very helpful, and gave me a sense of understanding and compassion that I had yet to recieve from another GI doctor. I pray that we will get my issues resolved, and I am feeling quite confident in this Doctor's plan of action. Highly recommend!
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