Sclerosing cholangitis causes persistent inflammation of the bile ducts. Over time, bile ducts develop scar tissue, which causes bile to flow backwards into the liver. The constant backwards flow of bile damages the liver and eventually causes liver failure.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis has no underlying cause, though medical researchers believe it could result from an autoimmune disorder. Secondary sclerosing cholangitis results from another health issue, such as an infection or injury involving the bile ducts. Primary forms of the disorder have no cure and will progress to liver damage, even with medical intervention.
In people with sclerosing cholangitis, doctors continually monitor the bile and liver ducts for signs of damage. They can also administer treatments to control symptoms. Antibiotics help treat infections, while nutritional supplements boost levels of important vitamins in the body. Anti-itch medications may also be used.
If a bile duct becomes obstructed, doctors can use a procedure to open it. However, these procedures are only effective for a certain period of time. As a progressive disorder, sclerosing cholangitis continues to cause effects, even with treatment.
In people with sclerosing cholangitis, doctors continually monitor the bile and liver ducts for signs of damage. They can also administer treatments to control symptoms. Antibiotics help treat infections, while nutritional supplements boost levels of important vitamins in the body. Anti-itch medications may also be used.
If a bile duct becomes obstructed, doctors can use a procedure to open it. However, these procedures are only effective for a certain period of time. As a progressive disorder, sclerosing cholangitis continues to cause effects, even with treatment.
Sclerosing cholangitis always advances to liver disease. Over time, liver disease will progress to liver failure. As a result, liver transplants are the only way to cure the disease.
Doctors must carefully weigh the health of a patient and the severity of the condition when it comes to liver transplants. There’s a risk that sclerosing cholangitis will return after the transplant, or that the body will reject the liver.
Doing the following can help mitigate the effects of this condition:
Your doctor can also recommend personalized healthy lifestyle choices. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend appointments as required to manage the effects of this condition.