Named non-obvious symptom of liver destruction

Renowned hepatologist Stephen Ryder revealed a disturbing connection between skin itching and a dangerous autoimmune liver disease. In an interview with the Daily Mail, the specialist explained that this non-obvious symptom may indicate primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) - a condition in which the body imperceptibly destroys its own liver.

"When the immune system attacks the bile ducts in the liver, PBC occurs. If the ducts are damaged, bile, consisting mainly of acid, enters the liver and destroys it," warns Ryder.

According to the hepatologist, itching is a characteristic sign of this disease. The mechanism of its occurrence is related to the fact that substances from bile, which should normally be excreted from the body, are retained in the liver during cholangitis. They then spread through the bloodstream throughout the body, causing irritation of nerve endings and excruciating discomfort.

"In later stages, as liver cells are destroyed, symptoms may include weight loss, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and abdominal swelling due to fluid accumulation," notes the specialist.

Ryder emphasized that in severe cases, patients with PBC may require liver transplantation. However, thanks to modern treatment methods, the number of such cases has recently decreased significantly.