Cholangitis - How is inflammation of the bile duct treated? - HTI CENTERS

What is cholangitis

Cholangitis is an inflammatory process in the bile duct.

Acute cholangitis is caused by infection or blockage of the bile duct. This diagnosis is an emergency, that is, it requires urgent medical intervention. You may also have chronic cholangitis - in such clinical cases, there is a risk of liver damage.

Inflammation of the bile duct can lead to serious complications such as:

• Obstruction of the outflow of bile due to edema;

• Inflammation in the organs;

• Bacterial infection;

• Spread of infection to the bloodstream;

• Scarring.

Cholangitis can be life-threatening, for example, if a bacterial infection in the bile ducts reaches the liver, it can easily enter the bloodstream and cause a systemic infection - the finale of the chain reaction will be a shock reaction of the body and the shutdown of vital organs.

The following symptoms are characteristic of acute cholangitis:

• Pain in the upper right abdomen;

• Fever;

• Jaundice.

In the chronic form, additional signs appear, namely:

• Fatigue;

• Abdominal swelling;

• Swelling of the legs;

• Fatty deposits under the skin;

• Large veins around the abdomen;

• Pale stools and dark urine;

• Diarrhea.

The first method of treatment for both acute and chronic cholangitis is endoscopic drainage of the bile ducts; after this, an additional course of treatment is prescribed.

Source:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/cholangitis