Primary Biliary Cholangitis: What Are the Stages?

Stage 1: Asymptomatic

* In this early stage, people with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) may not have any symptoms and may not even know they have the condition.

* Liver damage is already occurring, but it is usually mild and does not cause any noticeable problems.

Stage 2: Symptomatic

* In this stage, people with PBC begin to experience symptoms such as:

* Fatigue

* Itching

* Joint pain

* Dry eyes and mouth

* Nausea and vomiting

* Abdominal pain

* Diarrhea

* Liver damage is more severe in this stage, but it is still usually reversible if treatment is started early.

Stage 3: Advanced fibrosis

* In this stage, liver damage has become more severe and scarring (fibrosis) has occurred.

* This can lead to a number of complications, including:

* Portal hypertension (increased pressure in the veins that carry blood from the intestines to the liver)

* Ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen)

* Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

* Encephalopathy (brain damage)

* Liver transplantation may be necessary in this stage.

Stage 4: End-stage liver failure

* In this final stage, liver damage is so severe that the liver is no longer able to function.

* People with end-stage liver failure will need a liver transplant to survive.