Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) in Connecticut
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Find a ProviderWhat is PSC (primary sclerosing cholangitis)?
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is similar to PBC (primary biliary cholangitis); however, it affects the bile ducts inside and outside the liver. It leads the bile ducts to become irritated, scarred, and constricted, which can eventually develop into liver cirrhosis.
Bile is essential to how the body functions. It aids in digestion and rids your body of worn-out blood cells, toxins, and bad cholesterol. That is why it is important that you get care for primary sclerosing cholangitis as soon as possible. Connecticut GI offers skilled treatment for primary sclerosing cholangitis. To learn more information about this liver condition or to receive care for PSC in Connecticut, please request a consultation with one of our gastroenterologists today.
What is the cause of PSC?
While the cause of primary sclerosing cholangitis has not yet been identified, it is believed to be associated with an immune response to an infection or a toxin. PSC can be hereditary, meaning if a family member has or had this liver disease, you have a higher chance of having it as well. Factors that increase the risk of PSC involve:
- Having inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Being male
- Age (PSC is most common among those between ages 30 and 50)
- Ancestry (individuals of Northern European descent are at an increased risk of having PSC)
Our gastroenterologists at Connecticut GI can further explain information regarding the potential causes of PSC and help you learn more about your chance of developing this disorder.
What are the symptoms of PSC?
PSC is often identified before symptoms manifest during routine tests for other health concerns. Treating primary sclerosing cholangitis is more favorable when the disease is caught earlier. The early symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis could include itching and fatigue. Further general signs and symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis involve:
- High cholesterol levels
- Dry eyes
- Dry mouth
- Dark skin not associated with sun exposure
- Night sweats
- Dark-colored and greasy bowel movements
- Pain in the joints
- Chills
- Swelling in the ankles and feet
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
- Undesired weight loss
- Brittle bones
- Tenderness in the muscles
- Pain in the upper right abdominal area
We encourage you to request a consultation with a local Connecticut GI provider should you notice excessive itching on a significant portion of your body or if you feel exhausted more often than not. It is imperative to mention these symptoms to your provider if you have a type of inflammatory bowel disease IBD, like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
What are the treatments for PSC?
Healthcare professionals have not found a cure for PSC. Many of the treatment approaches include addressing the narrowing of the bile ducts and the symptoms and complications resulting from the disorder. Our Connecticut gastroenterology specialists may recommend one or more of the options listed below to treat PSC:
- Stents for narrowed or blocked bile ducts
- Avoid drinking alcohol
- Liver transplant surgery
- Surgical procedure to temporarily open blocked bile ducts
- Balloon dilation procedure to address constricted bile ducts
- Topical creams to manage itching
- Regular exercise
- Antibiotics for infections
- Nutrition support therapy
- Maintain a healthy weight
Expert care for chronic liver disease
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic liver condition that may affect your health in a variety of aspects, and it may lead to additional health issues in the absence of treatment. Our digestive health team at Connecticut GI can offer the care you need to help boost your quality of life. To partner with a GI provider who offers treatment for PSC in Connecticut, please contact one of our office locations in your community.
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Dr. Einstein is one of the best doctors I’ve ever met. He spent well over an hour explaining all the particulars of cirrhosis, what my scores on various tests meant, and my risks for various treatments, not just liver, but other operations as well. I have had cirrhosis for 7 years and no doctor has ever taken the the to explain all this in depth to me. Also, he is friendly, has a great sense of humor and even conversed with my boyfriend who seemed more interested in giving him good routes on the highway. I would highly recommend him to anyone who would not only like a board-certified doctor, who is brilliant, but who is looking for an honest, in-depth understanding of their disease and the treatment’s available, as well as the repercussions of continuing poor lifestyle habits.
The front desk is very friendly. Dr. Chugh doesn't make you feel rushed takes the time to listen to you and your concerns.
Excellent and on schedule
Highly recommend this doctor, staff and facility. They are all very polite and caring.
I have been going to Dr. Hemecha for over 10 years and have always found him to be a caring professional. I highly recommend him
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