Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) in Thibodaux, LA

PSC is often detected during a routine test for other health issues before any symptoms even appear. Treatment protocols for PSC are more favorable when caught early. Symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis may include:

• Fatigue
• Itching
• Pain in the upper right abdomen
• Fragile bones
• Swelling in the ankles and feet
• Dry eyes
• Unexpected weight loss
• Night sweats
• High cholesterol levels
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Darkening of the skin not related to sun exposure
• Dryness of the mouth
• Muscle soreness
• Chills
• Pain in the joints
• Dark-colored and oily stools

You should request a consultation with your nearest Digestive Health Center specialist if you experience extreme itching on much of your body or if you feel very tired more often than not. It is especially vital to mention these symptoms to your physician if you have a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

Doctors and specialists have not determined a cure for primary sclerosing cholangitis. Many of the treatments include addressing the narrowed bile ducts along with the symptoms and complications associated with the condition. Our Thibodaux, LA gastroenterology providers may suggest one or more of the options listed here to treat PSC:

• Antibiotics for infections
• Surgical procedure to temporarily open blocked bile ducts
• Topical creams for itchy skin
• Balloon dilation to treat narrowed bile ducts
• Stents to address narrowed or obstructed bile ducts
• Liver transplant
• Exercise
• Avoiding alcohol use
• Nutrition support
• Maintaining a healthy weight