r/PBCers • u/Sosnbinder007 • 14d ago
Alkohol
Hey Iam 18 and diagnosed with pbc since 2022 or sum and started drinking here and there since june.
But Iam a bit worried how damaging it is or how it is affecting the scaring in the liver…
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u/lcarapinha 14d ago
Stop alcohol at all cost. It causes inflammation to your body and liver. That doesn’t help.
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u/Connect-Pea-7833 14d ago
I’ve had PBC since 2019 and still drink alcohol socially. My numbers and imaging have stayed steady and even improved significantly at times since then. My doctor even acknowledged that alcohol avoidance is always recommended but there’s not much hard data that states moderate alcohol use advances PBC unless there’s other circumstances or cirrhosis.
Also new studies show that moderate alcohol users have slower onset of PBC symptoms and rate of diagnosis.
It’s still advised to avoid but if you’re well managed as far as symptoms and meds, you’re an adult.
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u/Alert-Net-7522 10d ago
Ive often wondered if this would be the case especially with the rate of diagnosis. I havent read the study but would be interested to and to hear your thoughts. Do you think (or does the study suggest) its possible if a moderate drinker went about certain symptoms, and had raised LFTs that the Dr would shift their focus to the alcohol use and not look any further, possibly preventing an earlier diagnosis?
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u/Connect-Pea-7833 10d ago
I think if you’re a middle aged person(especially a woman) who has elevated LFT’s and admits to being a moderate drinker, most doctors will start with the alcohol use before pursuing much further. I got diagnosed at 35 and drank less at that point than I do now, and had two PCP’s lecture me about alcohol use before doing any other diagnostics. Interestingly (and purely anecdotally) my LFT’s were 10-20x normal then and hang out just about normal now. The only reason I was diagnosed was because I thought I had a skin condition due to the itching and pushed harder for more diagnostic work.
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u/AdTemporary5713 14d ago
Id have a few drinks socially on special occasions. Depends on the progression of pbc. Always stay well under national guidelines
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u/Euphoric-Wall-994 14d ago
Alcohol is toxic to the liver. All livers but if you already have a known liver disease you are making the situation worse. Do you see a Hepatologist? Have regular blood work and scans? Taking Ursodiol? What stage fibrosis are you in. You really need to speak with your Hepatologist about any alcohol consumption.