How To Treat Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a disease where the tubes that transfer bile between the liver, gallbladder, and small intestine or the bile ducts become scarred as a result of repeated inflammation. Progression of this condition is characterized by bile build up in the liver due to scar tissue obstructing the bile ducts. The bile build up causes the liver to incur damage over time, and as a result, the liver also becomes scarred. Primary sclerosing cholangitis can lead to cirrhosis and failure of the liver. The causes of this condition are not clear, but it is often linked to ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms that gradually appear as primary sclerosing cholangitis advances slowly include itchy skin, jaundice, and fatigue. Additionally, individuals with this condition may develop a bile duct infection that produces chills, abdominal pain, and a fever.