PSC: What It Is, How It Affects You, and What Treatments Work

When you hear PSC, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, a chronic liver disease that slowly destroys the bile ducts. Also known as primary sclerosing cholangitis, it’s not just about liver trouble—it’s a systemic issue that affects digestion, immunity, and long-term health. Unlike fatty liver or hepatitis, PSC isn’t caused by alcohol or viruses. It’s an autoimmune condition where your body attacks the tubes that carry bile out of your liver. Over time, those ducts scar, narrow, and block flow, leading to jaundice, itchy skin, fatigue, and eventually liver failure.

This condition often shows up in people with inflammatory bowel disease, especially ulcerative colitis. If you’ve been diagnosed with IBD and suddenly feel more tired than usual, or your skin turns yellow, PSC could be the hidden cause. Doctors use MRIs and blood tests to spot it early, but there’s no cure yet. That’s why managing symptoms and slowing damage matters more than ever. Treatments like ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) help some patients, but not all. New drugs are being tested, and liver transplants remain the only option for advanced cases.

People with PSC also face higher risks for bile duct cancer and colon cancer, which is why regular screenings are non-negotiable. Lifestyle changes—like avoiding alcohol, eating low-fat meals, and staying active—can ease pressure on your liver. You’re not alone: thousands live with PSC, and many find ways to manage it for years with the right care plan.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how PSC connects to other conditions like autoimmune liver disease, what medications help or hurt, how to spot early warning signs, and what to ask your doctor when tests come back abnormal. These aren’t generic articles—they’re practical, evidence-backed insights from people who’ve been through it.