Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) in Washington

PSC is most commonly detected before any signs or symptoms develop via routine testing for other concerns. Treating primary sclerosing cholangitis is more effective when detected early. The first symptoms of PSC may include itching and fatigue. Further common signs and symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis involve:

• Dry eyes
• Unintentional weight loss
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
• High cholesterol levels
• Darkening of the skin not related to sun exposure
• Pain in the joints
• Tenderness in the muscles
• Upper right abdominal pain
• Brittle bones
• Swelling in the feet and ankles
• Significant sweating during sleep
• Dark and oily stools
• Chills
• Dryness of the mouth

We urge you to request an appointment with a Washington Gastroenterology provider if you experience intense itching on a large portion of your body or if you feel fatigued often. It is particularly critical to discuss these symptoms with your provider if you have an inflammatory bowel disease, like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

The medical community has not yet discovered a cure for primary sclerosing cholangitis. Most treatments include treating the narrowed bile ducts and the symptoms and complications resulting from the condition. Our Washington gastroenterologists may recommend one or more of the options listed below to treat PSC:

• Balloon dilation procedure to expand constricted bile ducts
• Stent placement to treat narrowed or obstructed bile ducts
• Nutrition support therapy
• Avoid alcohol consumption
• Alleviate itching with topical creams
• Remain at a healthy weight
• Liver transplant
• Antibiotics to treat infections
• Regular exercise
• Surgical procedure to temporarily open bile duct obstructions