Choliva 10mg Tablet

Biliary cirrhosis, also known as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), is indeed an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the liver and bile ducts. The gradual destruction of the small bile ducts in the liver leads to the accumulation of bile and toxins, causing liver scarring and, eventually, cirrhosis.

The symptoms of PBC can be subtle or absent in the early stages, making it challenging to diagnose. Common early symptoms, as you mentioned, include itching (pruritus), fatigue, and dryness of the mouth and eyes. As the disease progresses, more noticeable symptoms may develop, such as pain in the upper right abdomen, swelling of the spleen, and jaundice.

The exact cause of PBC remains unclear, but it is believed to involve an autoimmune response, as you described, with T lymphocytes mistakenly attacking and damaging the healthy bile duct cells.

While there is no permanent cure for PBC, various treatment options are available to manage symptoms, slow down the progression of bile duct damage, and improve liver function. Medications like ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and obeticholic acid are commonly used to treat the condition. In some cases, liver transplantation may be necessary for those with advanced liver disease.