Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) in Little Rock, AR

PSC is most commonly identified before signs or symptoms appear in the course of a routine test for other concerns. Treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis is more successful when identified earlier. The beginning symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis can involve itching and fatigue. Other signs and symptoms of PSC are:

• Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
• Dryness of the mouth
• Tenderness in the muscles
• Undesired weight loss
• Dark skin not associated with being in the sun
• Frail bones
• Dark and greasy stools
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
• Chills
• Dry eyes
• Joint pain
• High levels of cholesterol
• Swollen feet and ankles
• Significant sweating during sleep

It is important to request a consultation with a local GastroArkansas specialist if you have extreme itching on a good portion of your body, or if you feel exhausted more than normal. It is particularly important to discuss these symptoms with your GI provider if you have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis.

Healthcare providers have not uncovered a remedy for PSC. Many of the treatments include addressing the biliary strictures (narrowed bile ducts) and the complications and symptoms that accompany the disease. Our Little Rock, AR gastroenterology providers may advise having one or more of the options listed here to treat PSC:

• Balloon dilation to address narrowed bile ducts
• Manage itching symptoms with topical creams
• Exercise
• Nutrition support
• Liver transplant
• Avoid alcohol use
• Stents to address narrowed or blocked bile ducts
• Remain at a healthy weight
• Surgical procedure to temporarily open blocked bile ducts
• Antibiotics for infections