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Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Specialist - Dr. Bharat Pothuri

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a persistent immune liver disease that affects small bile ducts resulting in the accumulation of bile and liver damage. GastroDoxs in Houston is the clinic where Dr. Bharat Pothuri offers expert medical diagnosis, customized therapy, and holistic care to be able to cope with PBC.

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Difficulty Swallowing

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

About the Expert

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the founder of GastroDoxs. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Autoantigenic assaults on small bile ducts.
Women Women between the ages of 40-60 years are most likely to be affected by this kind of gender dispensation (female gender).
Primary biliary cholangitis in the family.
Other autoimmune diseases are present (e.g. thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjerogen syndrome).
Genetic predisposition combined with environmental triggers

Signs and Symptoms

Often none in early stages
Fatigue or excessive fatigue
Itching (pruritus) of the skin
Skin and eye (jaundice) yellowing
Dark urine and pale stools
Dry eyes and dry mouth
Abdominal pain or abdominal distension in the upper right quadrant

Expert Treatment for Primary Biliary Cirrhosis by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

Dr. Pothuri uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Exam

He examines your medical history, particularly whether you feel fatigued, whether you itch, whether you have pain in your epigastric or upper-abdominal area, whether you have had illnesses in the past, whether you consume alcohol and her family background of autoimmune liver disease.

Blood Tests

We get liver enzyme studies (alkaline phosphatase, GGT, AST/ALT) and test the antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) and other liver injury indicators to rule out other causes of liver injury.

Imaging Studies

Abdominal ultrasound investigates the texture of the liver, and the architecture of the bile duct and excludes the existence of stones or an obstructed biliary duct large duct.
The MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) imaging shows a detailed image of both intra and extrahepatic bile ducts.

Advanced Testing (if needed)

Liver biopsy is in rare instances done to directly visualize the bile duct injury, to determine the degree of inflammation and to stage the disease.

Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for primary biliary cholangitis.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

Consume nutritionally balanced foods such as lean protein, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Restrict salt consumption to ease swelling and accumulation of fluids.
Light exercises like stretching or walking are also recommended.
Drink less alcohol in order to save your liver.

2. Medications

Ursodeoxycholic acid as an adjunct to enhance the flow of the bile and retard liver damage.
Additional ursodiol is required as Obeticholic acid.
Cholestyramine or some antihistamine to clear itching.

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

Endoscopy to enter blocked bile ducts or to insert stents.
Definitive diagnosis and staging Liver biopsy.
Assessment of patients with treatment-resistant disease who are destined to die.

Call Us 832-632-4070 Schedule Now Click Here Text Us 832-632-4070

1.5K

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the early signs of primary biliary cholangitis?

The initial symptoms are fatigue and skin itchiness. Liver enzymes can be raised in routine blood tests and the disease can be detected before one feels anything.

What is the difference between PBC and PSC?

PBC targets the small bile ducts and is mainly more common in women and it is associated with antimitochondrial antibodies. PSC impacts small and large bile ducts and tends to be linked with the inflammatory bowel disease.

Can diet cure primary biliary cholangitis?

No. A balanced diet will keep the liver healthy but PBC cannot be reversed. Treatment using medication like ursodeoxycholic acid is still needed to delay the disease progression.

How often should I return for checkups?

The majority of patients visit once in three-six months, basing on the symptoms, blood-test results, and the level of the disease.

Is a liver transplant the only cure for PBC?

The cure is definite but only in the case of advanced stages when other medication is no longer possible i.e. liver transplant.

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