The liver produces bile which essentially assists in the digestion of fats. The bile is transported from the liver to the digestive tract via bile ducts. In the case of liver disorder or primary biliary cirrhosis, the bile ducts are slowly destroyed causing harmful substances to build up in the liver. This results in inflammation of the bile ducts and in more severe cases, irreversible scarring of liver tissue (cirrhosis).
Symptoms and characteristics
Primary biliary cirrhosis disorder is usually diagnosed between the ages of 35 and 60 years and is considered to be relatively rare in Australia.
Symptoms of primary biliary cirrhosis vary considerably between people. Some people remain symptom-free for years while others initially experience fatigue, chronic itching and dry eyes and mouth.
As the destruction of bile duct and liver cells progresses, other signs and symptoms may develop, such as:
-
digestive problems such as indigestion and diarrhea
-
fatigue
-
fluid retention such as swollen feet
-
hyperpigmentation (blotchy skin)
-
jaundice
-
urinary tract infections.
Statistics
Only 675 cases of primary biliary cirrhosis have recently been reported in Australia (wrongdiagnosis.com 2007). The majority of cases are women and approximately 1 in 5 women with primary biliary cirrhosis experience recurring urinary tract infections (MayoClinic.com 2005).
Workplace solutions and adjustments
In the workplace there are various factors that would greatly assist people with severe primary biliary cirrhosis to better manage their symptoms. These include flexible work conditions such as:
- time off when required
- a reduction in working hours
- frequent breaks or modified, less strenuous duties.
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Better Health Channel 2006, Liver problems - primary biliary cirrhosis, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 30 March 2007, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Liver_problems_primary_biliary_cirrhosis?open>.
MayoClinic.com 2005, Primary biliary cirrhosis, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, viewed 30 March 2007, <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/primary-biliary-cirrhosis/DS00604/DSECTION=2>.
wrongdiagnosis.com 2007, Statistics by Country for Primary biliary cirrhosis, Adviware Pty Ltd, Cairns, viewed 30 March 2007, <http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/p/primary_biliary_cirrhosis/stats-country.htm>.