Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) in Texas

In the early stages, PSC may cause no real significant symptoms and is often diagnosed while doctors are investigating something else. When symptoms do occur they include itching, which may be severe for some patients, and fatigue. Continual blocking of the bile ducts can lead to infection, resulting in fever and abdominal pain. Infections will need to be treated with antibiotics. Should you experience any of these symptoms, our providers in Texas can help you identify the root cause so you can find relief.

Treatment for PSC will focus on monitoring liver damage and managing any complications that arise. At this time, there aren't any medications available to help with the liver damage. We can help treat other symptoms, like itching, infections, and bile duct blockage.

• Itching: We can help treat itching with antibiotics, antihistamines, and other under- or over-the-counter medications. We also may suggest bile acid sequestrates, which is a medication that will attach itself to the bile acids that are thought to be the root cause of the itching.
• Infection: When the bile gets backed up in the bile ducts, it can cause bacterial infections. We will likely get you started on antibiotics right away to prevent infections from occurring and remedy them when they do take place.
• Nutritional support: PSC can make it hard for the body to absorb certain vitamins, so we will likely suggest vitamin supplements or vitamin infusions to help your body get the nutrients it needs.
• Bile duct blockage: While blockage is common due to PSC, it can also be a sign of cancer. We will diligently perform an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to determine the cause of the blockage so we can perform the necessary treatment. There are two ways we can treat bile duct blockage — balloon dilation and stent placement. We will discuss both options with you, as well as which option we feel is best for your particular needs.