PBC and other autoimmune diseases
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a progressive and chronic autoimmune disease that affects the bile ducts in the liver.
The essential PBC glossary
As you do your research on PBC, you may come across a lot of words that are new to you. We’ve created a glossary of common terms to help you in your understanding of this disease.
Learn key PBC termsPBC is commonly accompanied by at least 1 other autoimmune condition
Up to 55% of patients with PBC are diagnosed with at least 1 additional autoimmune disease.
PBC and additional autoimmune conditions
Autoimmune conditions that are commonly associated with PBC include:
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- CREST syndrome
- Raynaud’s disease
- Autoimmune thyroid disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Celiac disease
- Autoimmune hepatitis
If you have more than 1 autoimmune condition, you’re not alone. Working together with your healthcare team can help you see a clearer picture of your health and all of your conditions, including PBC.
Autoimmune conditions, including PBC, can have overlapping symptoms
- Sometimes the most obvious link between autoimmune diseases is symptoms that look and feel like one another, which can cause confusion over treatment
- Common symptoms of PBC, such as fatigue, can overlap with the symptoms of other conditions that sometimes appear with PBC
- While experiencing symptoms is common in people with PBC, some don’t experience any symptoms for up to 5 years after diagnosis, despite disease progression
Select a symptom from the list below to see associated autoimmune conditions.
concentrating/brain fog Diarrhea Weight loss Weight gain Skin hardening/
thickening Skin discoloration Heartburn
Having multiple autoimmune diseases can make symptom management tricky, so it’s important to keep your healthcare team informed about how you’re feeling
Together, you can create a long-term treatment plan for your unique needs.
There is treatment available to help you manage your PBC
Managing multiple autoimmune diseases can be overwhelming, but expert help is available.
There are specialists who can help you manage each of your conditions, including PBC. Together with your healthcare team, you can create a treatment plan that works for you.
Stay in the know
Get access to tools, resources, and educational events, plus connect with other people living with PBC.