PBC is characterized by inflammatory destruction of the system of ducts in the liver which drain bile into the small intestines. Chronic inflammation causes scar tissue to form in the bile ducts and results in interference with the excretion of bile. Cirrhosis of the liver is the breakdown of the normal cellular architecture of the liver with scarring and is a late manifestation of the disease. PBC ranges from very mild, when it may not even be detected, to a life-threatening illness. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to the outcome of the illness.
Conventional treatment involves the use of Prednisone and other corticosteroids.
Often patients are unable to tolerate the toxic side effects of these drugs. Also enzyme potentiated desensitization holds hope for putting the disease in long term remission. As with all autoimmune disorders, detoxification and dietary changes are usually helpful. For best results this should be done under the supervision of a doctor experienced in nutritional medicine . The approach used in homeopathy is to attempt to restore the balance of the system using dilute solutions of natural substances specific to the disorder.