Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) in Baton Rouge, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is PSC (primary sclerosing cholangitis)?
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is similar to primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), but it impacts the bile ducts outside and within the liver. PSC leads the bile ducts to become inflamed, scarred, and constricted, which might ultimately result in cirrhosis of the liver.
Bile is critical to the way the body functions. It aids in digestion and helps the body dispose of bad cholesterol, toxins, and worn-out red blood cells. That is why it is important that patients undergo care for PSC without delay. The team at Gastroenterology Associates proudly offers personalized services for primary sclerosing cholangitis. To discover more about this condition or to get treatment for PSC in Baton Rouge, LA, request an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists today.
What is the cause of PSC?
While the reason behind primary sclerosing cholangitis is not understood, it is believed to be an immune defense to a toxin or infection. Primary sclerosing cholangitis has a genetic predisposition, which means that if a family member has or had the condition, you have a higher chance of having it as well. Risk factors of primary sclerosing cholangitis include:
- Having inflammatory bowel disease
- Being male
- Age (PSC is most common among individuals between ages 30 – 50)
- Ancestry (those of northern European descent are at an elevated risk of having PSC)
What are common signs of PSC?
PSC is most commonly diagnosed before signs or symptoms appear while performing tests for other issues. Treating primary sclerosing cholangitis is more successful when the condition is detected earlier. The beginning symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis often involve itching and fatigue. Other general symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis are:
- Dryness of the mouth
- Upper right abdominal pain
- Frail bones
- Unplanned weight loss
- Chills
- Joint pain
- Dry eyes
- Heavy sweating during sleep
- High levels of cholesterol
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Dark skin not related to being in the sun
- Dark-colored and greasy bowel movements
- Muscle soreness
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
It's important to request a consultation with one of our Baton Rouge, LA GI specialists in the event you notice extreme itching on a significant portion of your body or if you feel excessively tired compared to normal. It is particularly important to discuss these symptoms with your provider if you have a type of inflammatory bowel disease IBD, like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
How is PSC treated?
Medical professionals have not uncovered a cure for PSC. Many of the treatment strategies involve treating the narrowed bile ducts as well as the symptoms and complications that accompany the condition. Our Baton Rouge, LA gastroenterology providers may advise one or more of the following options to treat primary sclerosing cholangitis:
- Exercise
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stents to address narrowed or obstructed bile ducts
- Avoid consuming alcohol
- Antibiotics to treat infections
- Nutrition support
- Alleviate itching with topical creams
- Balloon dilation procedure to expand constricted bile ducts
- Liver transplant surgery
- Surgical procedure to temporarily open bile ducts that are blocked
Expert care for chronic liver disease
As a chronic liver condition, primary sclerosing cholangitis can impact your life in several aspects, and it may be a catalyst for additional health issues without care. Our GI specialists at Gastroenterology Associates are here to provide the personalized services required to help boost your quality of living. To connect with a provider who offers PSC treatment in Baton Rouge, LA, please get in touch with one of our practice locations near you.
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