Great question! Recognizing a PBC flare can feel like detective work, but many people with PBC notice a pattern over time. Here are the most commonly reported flare-up symptoms:
- Itchy skin (pruritus) – This is one of the most common signs. Many people notice their itching gets significantly worse during a flare, then Show Full Answer
Great question! Recognizing a PBC flare can feel like detective work, but many people with PBC notice a pattern over time. Here are the most commonly reported flare-up symptoms:
- Itchy skin (pruritus) – This is one of the most common signs. Many people notice their itching gets significantly worse during a flare, then eases when it passes
- Fatigue – Feeling more exhausted than usual is another big signal
- Abdominal pain or swelling – Pain around the liver or spleen area, or general belly discomfort
- Swollen or sore joints – Swollen knees, heavy legs, or achy muscles
- Dry eyes or dry mouth – These can flare alongside other PBC symptoms
- Jaundice – Yellowing of the skin or eyes in more advanced cases
- Edema – Swelling in the feet and ankles A myPBCteam member shared, *"I am having some kind of flare-up with swollen and sore knees and heavy legs."* Another noted waking up less itchy after an almost two-week flare — calling it *"a slight win!"*
Keeping track of your symptoms in a journal can really help you spot your personal flare patterns. And if you're concerned about a flare, reaching out to your healthcare provider is always a good move — they can run blood tests or check your liver health to get a clearer picture.
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Deep irritation itch, severe bloating and discomfort
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