K74.3: Primary biliary cholangitis

Your bile ducts have become inflamed due to an immune system disorder.

The liver is an important organ on the top right of the abdomen. For example, it helps with blood clotting and detoxifying the body. Nutrients from food are processed in the liver. Bile is produced in the liver. The bile is transported via bile ducts within the liver towards the gallbladder. The bile is collected in the gallbladder. When you eat something, bile is released into the intestine. This is what the common bile duct to the intestine is for.

Your immune system is not working properly. As a result, the bile ducts in your liver have become inflamed. The bile ducts outside of the liver may also be affected. Inflammation in the bile ducts can cause damage to the liver. Severe damage can lead to scarring in the liver tissue.

The liver can sometimes heal again by itself after it has been damaged. If a large part of the liver is scarred, it may often no longer be able to heal by itself.

Damage or scarring to a lot of tissue in the liver can cause the liver to gradually lose its ability to perform its functions. You will then feel feeble and tired, for example. The skin may look yellow and be itchy. It is also possible for the abdominal girth to increase, resulting in abdominal pain. You may also bleed more intensely and for longer, for example if you injure yourself.