Definition & Facts
Primary sclerosing cholangitis, or PSC, is a chronic disease in which the bile ducts inside and outside the liver become inflamed and scarred, and eventually narrowed or blocked. When this happens, bile builds up in the liver and causes liver damage.
Symptoms & Causes
The main symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are feeling tired or weak and having itchy skin. Other symptoms may include losing weight without trying, poor appetite, fever, and pain in the abdomen. The cause of PSC is not known.
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose primary sclerosing cholangitis based on your medical and family history, a physical exam, and the results of medical tests, such as blood tests and imaging tests. Your doctor may perform a liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Doctors can’t cure primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) or keep the disease from getting worse. They can treat narrowed or blocked bile ducts and the symptoms and complications of PSC, such as itchy skin, low vitamin levels, and bile duct infection.
Eating, Diet, & Nutrition
If you have primary sclerosing cholangitis, you should eat well-balanced meals that give you enough calories and nutrients. If you have low levels of fat-soluble vitamins, your doctor may recommend eating foods that are high in vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Clinical Trials
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions.
Source: NIH/NIDDK
For more information, please visit https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/primary-sclerosing-cholangitis
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of consultation with your physician.