Inflammation of the bile duct, the passageway carrying waste secretions away from the liver. The most common form is acute ascending cholangitis, which generally involves bacterial infection in the bile duct, often because of blockage, as by a gallstone, tumor, or worm infestation. Mild cases can be treated with antibiotics, but serious cases may require surgery, as they can lead to severe, even life-threatening liver problems, kidney and urological disorders, or septicemia. The rarer form, sclerosing cholangitis, involves narrowing of the bile ducts and progressive liver damage; so far no treatment has been developed for this condition except a liver transplant. Doctors may use liver function tests, an ultrasound scan, or an endoscope to help diagnose cholangitis.
Inflammation of the bile ducts marked by pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, intermittent fever, and sometimes jaundice. Caused by bacterial infection or an obstruction (e.g., calculi or tumor), it is treated by antibiotics or surgery.
Inflammation of the bile ducts, the channels that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and to the intestines. Cholangitis is most commonly the result of obstruction of bile flow and consequent bacterial infection. The most common symptoms of cholangitis are abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes). In some cases, abdominal symptoms are minimal, but chills and fever are present.
It usually occurs when the ducts are obstructed, especially by stones, or after operations on the bile ducts. Symptoms include intermittent fever, usually with shaking chills, and intermittent jaundice. Initial treatment is by antibiotics, but removal of the obstruction is essential for permanent cure. Liver abscess is a possible complication, and recurrent episodes of cholangitis lead to secondary biliary cirrhosis.
The occurrence of infection or inflammation within the bile ducts leads to a condition known as cholangitis. This ailment commonly manifests with symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice, thereby warranting medical attention and intervention.
Inflammation can occur in various bile ducts, including the common bile duct that connects the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. This inflammatory condition manifests in two different forms: acute ascending cholangitis and sclerosing cholangitis. Acute ascending cholangitis refers to the rapid onset of inflammation in the bile ducts, often caused by an ascending bacterial infection. On the other hand, sclerosing cholangitis refers to a chronic condition characterized by the progressive and narrowing inflammation of the bile ducts, which can result in obstructions and complications.
This type of cholangitis commonly arises from a bacterial infection that affects the bile and the duct itself. The infection typically occurs due to the blockage of the duct, often caused by the presence of a gallstone. As the infection progresses, it ascends along the duct and may also impact the liver. Recurrent episodes of jaundice, abdominal pain, chills, and fever are the primary symptoms associated with acute ascending cholangitis. These symptoms serve as indications of the ongoing inflammation and infection within the bile ducts.
Mild episodes of this condition are typically managed with the administration of antibiotic drugs and intravenous fluids. However, severe attacks can give rise to potentially life-threatening complications such as septicemia (blood poisoning) and kidney failure. In such cases, immediate intervention becomes crucial. Surgical procedures or endoscopy, involving the passage of instruments through a viewing tube, may be employed to drain the infected material from the bile duct. These interventions are aimed at resolving the infection, alleviating the associated complications, and restoring normal function to the affected bile ducts.
In this uncommon disorder, there is a widespread narrowing of all bile ducts present within and outside the liver. This results in a condition called cholestasis, characterized by the impaired flow of bile within the liver. The consequence of this condition includes chronic jaundice, persistent itching of the skin, and progressive damage to the liver. The narrowing of the bile ducts hampers the normal passage of bile, leading to the accumulation of bile components within the liver. The chronic impairment of bile flow, along with the associated symptoms, contributes to the gradual deterioration of liver function.
The medication colestyramine has the potential to alleviate itching, a distressing symptom experienced in this condition. However, apart from this symptomatic relief, the only alternative treatment option is a liver transplant. Given the progressive nature of the disorder and the damage caused to the liver, transplantation may be considered as a viable approach to restore liver function and provide long-term management. The decision regarding treatment options should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals who can assess the individual’s specific circumstances and determine the most appropriate course of action.