What it is
Many people have no symptoms for years and it is found by a routine blood test.
A medicine called ursodeoxycholic acid can slow it down. Other medicines can help itching. A liver transplant may be needed if the liver stops working well.
Common signs
- Often no symptoms at first
- Tiredness
- Itchy skin
- Dry eyes and mouth
- Pain in the upper right tummy
- Yellow skin or eyes later on
How it is usually diagnosed
- Liver blood tests
- Antibody blood tests (AMA)
- Ultrasound or other liver scans
- Sometimes a liver biopsy
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Liver blood test results over time
- Antibody test results
- Liver scan reports
- Hepatology letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- How well is the medicine working?
- How often will my liver be checked?
- What can help with the itching and tiredness?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Vomiting blood, black poo, sudden swelling of the tummy or confusion: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.