liver and gallbladder disorders
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Symptoms of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Symptoms usually begin gradually with worsening fatigue and itchiness. Jaundice in Adults (yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes) tends to develop later. Inflammation and recurring infection of the bile ducts (bacterial cholangitis) sometimes occur. Bacterial cholangitis causes attacks of pain in the upper abdomen, jaundice, and fever. Because bile salts are not secreted normally, people may be unable to absorb enough fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Such impaired bile secretion results in Osteoporosis , easy bruising and bleeding, and stools that are greasy and foul-smelling (steatorrhea). As the disorder progresses, Symptoms develop. Advanced cirrhosis causes the following: Increased blood pressure in the vein that carries blood from the intestines to the liver ( Portal Hypertension ) Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity ( Ascites ) Liver Failure , which can be fatal Some people have no symptoms until the disorder is advanced and cirrhosis is present. Symptoms may not appear for up to 10 years. Cancer of the bile ducts ( Tumors of the Bile Ducts and Gallbladder ) develops in 10 to 15% of people with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Usually, primary sclerosing cholangitis worsens gradually resulting in liver failure. 