With PBC, liver inflammation can be tricky to detect because it doesn't always cause obvious symptoms — especially in the early stages. The most reliable way to know what's going on is through testing.
Here are the main ways liver inflammation is identified:
- Blood tests — These measure liver enzymes and other substances Show Full Answer
With PBC, liver inflammation can be tricky to detect because it doesn't always cause obvious symptoms — especially in the early stages. The most reliable way to know what's going on is through testing.
Here are the main ways liver inflammation is identified:
- Blood tests — These measure liver enzymes and other substances that signal how well your liver is working
- Imaging tests — Ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs can help visualize liver damage
- Liver biopsy — A small sample of liver tissue is examined under a microscope to check for inflammation and scarring
When symptoms do appear, they can include:
- Fatigue
- Itchy skin
- Pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen
Regular monitoring with your healthcare provider is really important with PBC, since inflammation can progress silently. Catching changes early gives the best chance of slowing things down and managing symptoms effectively.
August 25
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