The liver is the largest gland in the body and has many functions including the production of bile to assist in the digestion of fats and breaking down toxins in the blood. 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, cirrhosis or irreversible scarring of liver tissue.
Symptoms and characteristics:
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
- fluid retention such as swollen feet
- hyperpigmentation (blotchy skin)
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
- frequent urinary tract infections
- bloating of the abdomen due to fluid retention
- discomfort to touch around the upper right hand side of the abdomen
- weight loss.
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 work hours as symptoms progress
- frequent breaks
- capacity to elevate lower limbs when working if fluid retention in the feet is an issue
- modified, less strenuous duties .
(Better Health Channel 2007; MayoClinic.com 2007; WD 2008)
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References:
Better Health Channel 2007, Liver problems - primary biliary cirrhosis, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 9 January 2009, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Liver_problems_primary_biliary_cirrhosis?open>.
MayoClinic.com 2007, Primary biliary cirrhosis, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, viewed 9 January 2009,
<http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/primary-biliary-cirrhosis/DS00604/DSECTION=2>.
WD 2008, Symptoms of Primary biliary cirrhosis, Health Grades Inc., online, viewed 9 January 2009,
<http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/p/primary_biliary_cirrhosis/symptoms.htm>.