Sclerosing cholangitis: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Go to an emergency department if fever or chills occur with jaundice and you feel very unwell.

   Emergency help is also appropriate for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, vomiting blood, black stools, difficulty breathing, or a rapidly enlarging abdomen.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent same-day medical assessment for fever, chills, new jaundice, or increasing pain under the right ribs.

   These symptoms can indicate an infected or blocked bile duct.

   Do not wait for a routine appointment if symptoms suggest an acute infection or a complication of advanced liver scarring.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange routine follow-up if you develop increasing tiredness, persistent itching, new abdominal discomfort, darker urine, paler stools, or gradually worsening jaundice.

   Report unexplained weight loss or a change in your usual bowel symptoms as well.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Sclerosing cholangitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.