Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) in Arizona
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Find a ProviderWhat is primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)?
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a type of liver disease similar to primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). However, unlike PBC, primary sclerosing cholangitis affects the bile ducts both outside and inside the liver, causing them to become irritated, scarred, and constricted, which may ultimately result in cirrhosis of the liver as time goes on.
Bile is critical to the way the body functions. It aids in digestion and helps with the elimination of bad cholesterol, worn-out blood cells, and toxins. Because of this, it is imperative that you obtain treatment for PSC as soon as possible. Arizona Digestive Health proudly provides personalized services for primary sclerosing cholangitis. To learn more information about this liver concern or to find help for PSC in Phoenix, AZ, request a consultation with a member of our gastroenterology team today.
What causes PSC?
While the underlying cause of PSC remains unclear, it is generally thought to be associated with an immune reaction to an infection or toxin in the body. PSC has a genetic predisposition, meaning if a close relative has, or had, this liver condition you have a higher chance of having it as well. Risk factors of PSC are:
- Age (PSC is most common among those between 30 – 50 years old)
- Ancestry (people of Northern European descent are at greater risk of developing PSC)
- Being male
- Having IBD
The specialists at Arizona Digestive Health can explain additional information surrounding the possible causes of primary sclerosing cholangitis and help you better understand your odds of having this chronic disorder.
What are the signs and symptoms of PSC?
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is frequently identified during routine testing for other health concerns, often before any of its symptoms have developed. Treating PSC is more effective when identified in the early stages. The initial symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis can involve tiredness and itching. Further common symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis are:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Chills
- Dark skin not associated with being in the sun
- Swelling in the ankles and feet
- Dry mouth
- Tenderness in the muscles
- Excessive sweating during sleep
- Dry eyes
- Pain in the upper right abdominal area
- Fragile bones
- Dark and greasy stools
- Pain in the joints
- High cholesterol levels
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
We urge you to request a consultation with a local Arizona Digestive Health specialist in the event you have excessive itching on much of your body or if you feel fatigued more than normal. It is particularly crucial to mention these symptoms to your doctor if you have a type of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
How is PSC treated?
Currently, there is no known cure for primary sclerosing cholangitis. Most of the treatments involve treating the biliary strictures (narrowed bile ducts) and the symptoms and complications associated with the disorder. Our Phoenix, AZ gastroenterology specialists may advise one, or more, of the options listed below to treat primary sclerosing cholangitis:
- Liver transplant
- Exercise
- Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoid consuming alcohol
- Surgical procedure to temporarily open blocked bile ducts
- Antibiotics to treat infections
- Balloon dilation to treat narrowed bile ducts
- Alleviate itching with topical creams
- Stent placement for narrowed or obstructed bile ducts
- Nutrition support
Specialized care for chronic liver diseases
A chronic liver disease, PSC can negatively affect your health in a variety of ways, and it may lead to greater problems if left alone. However, our digestive health team at Arizona Digestive Health is ready to provide the care you require to help enhance your quality of life. To visit a provider who offers treatment for primary sclerosing cholangitis in Phoenix, AZ please contact one of our locations in your area.
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I am fairly new to the area and have been searching for answers to my health issues. I was referred to Dr. Walker and have found both he and the staff are very caring and thorough and he listened to my concerns.
I was referred years ago to Dr Patel's office. I keep going back because I am truly happy with him. He GENUINELY listens and cares. No rushing you in or out of office. Highly recommend
I work with hazardous chemicals, wastes, etc. on a daily basis, so it wasn’t a big surprise when I began to get random stomach pains or felt sick. However, around early 2021 said pains and sick days became frequent enough that I felt no motivation to leave the house. On the rare occasion I felt decent enough to go out I was limited to activities that could be completed within 100ft of the nearest restroom. I began to believe there would be no hope for it to get better, and that I just picked a short-straw with my genes/work conditions. I was referred to Dr.Atia after my PCM told me that there would be probably nothing they could do to help, so I went through the motions not expecting much to come out of it. I still feel to this day that this may be one of the greatest decisions I would ever come to make in my life. Dr.Atia has excellent bedside manner, is patient, and is probably one of the most knowledgeable people Ive ever met. My issue, though an embarrassing one as many reading this would understand, was quickly discovered and treatment was fast found. If you are reading this and are on the fence about whether or not to receive help, look no further and just head in. Dr.Atia and her staff will do their utmost to make sure you are helped and satisfied.
Dr. Faybush was amazing to me. Professional, personable, and Knowledgeable. She was quick and accurate on her diagnosis. Her office got me in for my procedure very quickly. Very kind doctor and would recommend her to anyone needing a GI doc.
Great experience. Everyone on the team is awesome. Make you feel very comfortable.
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