Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) in Denver, CO

In many instances, primary sclerosing cholangitis is detected before any symptoms develop through a routine test for other concerns. Treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis is more effective when detected in the early stages. The initial symptoms of PSC may include tiredness and itching. Some other general signs and symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis involve:

• Pain in the joints
• Dark skin not associated with sun exposure
• Excessive sweating during sleep
• Chills
• Undesired weight loss
• Swollen ankles and feet
• Pain in the upper right abdominal area
• Muscle soreness
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
• Dry eyes
• Dark-colored and greasy stools
• Dryness of the mouth
• High cholesterol
• Fragile bones

It is important to request a visit with your nearest Denver Digestive Health Specialists gastroenterologist if you experience excessive itching on a significant portion of your body, or if you feel more exhausted than normal. It is essential to mention these symptoms to your physician if you have been diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

Healthcare professionals have not uncovered a cure for primary sclerosing cholangitis. The majority of the treatment strategies involve addressing the narrowing of the bile ducts and the complications and symptoms associated with the condition. Our Denver, CO gastroenterologists may advise one or more of the options listed here to treat PSC:

• Exercise
• Manage itching symptoms with topical creams
• Avoid consuming alcohol
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Surgery to temporarily open bile duct obstructions
• Nutritional support
• Antibiotics for infections
• Liver transplant surgery
• Balloon dilation to widen narrowed bile ducts
• Stents to treat narrowed or blocked bile ducts