Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
Introduction
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic disease of the “hepatobiliary system”. It is an inflammatory disease of the liver and gall bladder that leads to scar formation in the bile ducts that usually drain the bile from the gallbladder and passes it to the bowel to help digestion of fats. In primary sclerosing cholangitis, the bile ducts are usually blocked due to inflammation, scarring and fibrosis. Because of this the bile starts accumulating inside the liver (as the liver is the organ that produces bile) in turns develops pressure on the liver and impairs its functions, hence, it gives rise to a severe complication as liver damage or liver cirrhosis. The incidence ratio is higher in males, and in the middle-aged group.
As per Ayurveda any inflammation inside the body occurs due to the vitiation of all the three doshas especially the pitta dosha as liver is the prime site of pitta in our body.
What are the Causes of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis?
The exact etiology is still unknown but some causative factors are :-
- Dietary factors like – Excessive consumption of spicy, sour, hot foodstuffs like – refined foods, non-vegetarian food, sauces, chilly, etc.
- Lifestyle management – Sedentary lifestyle, excessive exposure to harmful radiations, excessive fasting, irregular food habits, aggravates pitta dosha in our body.
- Genetic predispositions
- Any cause that leads to hormonal imbalance may develop this condition.
- Any disease history of autoimmune disorders
- Some ‘RISK FACTORS’ are –
- Hepatitis
- Excessive intake of Alcohol
- Obesity
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis?
The most common symptoms of this disease are :-
- Pain in the right hypochondriac region
- Acidity
- Itching
- Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)
- Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver)
- Dark urine (due to obstructed bilirubin)
- Dark stool (absence of stercobilin)
- Yellowness of skin, eyes, nails, etc.
- Portal hypertension
- Fever
- Chills
- Indigestion
- Malabsorption
- Weakness
Classification
Primary sclerosing cholangitis can be classified into three categories, they are :-
- Classic Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
- Small-duct Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
- Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis associated with autoimmune hepatitis.
Diagnostic Criteria
On the clinical basis a diagnosis of the disease is not confirmed hence, some of the laboratory investigation is necessary like :-
- Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
- USG (Ultrasonography)
- ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)
- MRCP (Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography)
- Immunological assay
- Liver biopsy
Management Criteria
As per Ayurveda the management criteria include :-
- Measures to balance tridoshas
- Detoxification of the body (to excrete aama /toxins)
- Reduce inflammation and, clear the obstruction.
- Heal the erosion (scarring)
- Restore the normal functions of the liver and gallbladder.
The Goodnews!?
The good news is that Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis is preventable and reversible, but can only be possible by using holistic approach, the one advocated in Ayurveda that addresses the issues from the very root.
Since ancient times, Ayurveda has defined diseases with their symptoms, causes and healing methods with nature.
If you are having any of the above mentioned symptoms, don’t assume it is Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis yet without any proper diagnosis because there are other Liver and gall bladder related diseases that comes with the same symptoms. Consult with a Doctor for accurate diagnosis to find out if Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis is what you are having or any other related disease.
Vine-Health Approach to Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
As a holistic health clinic, we take accurate diagnosis very seriously in order to ascertain the root cause of a particular illness. You will be consulted with our doctor to know the type of test or scan to run base on your symptoms to detect exactly the root cause of your issue to ascertain if Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis is your issue or not to ensure appropriate treatment.
Accurate diagnosis is the key to the treatment of any disease.
We can really help you out of the issue!
Contact us for your accurate diagnosis or for any issues