Impairment of the bile flow caused by obstruction within the liver, or outside the liver in the bile duct system.
Symptoms of Cholestasis
The following features are indicative of Cholestasis:
pruritus
pale stool
dark urine
loss of appetite
jaundice
nausea
It is possible that Cholestasis shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.
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Common Causes of Cholestasis
The following are the most common causes of Cholestasis:
pregnancy
androgens
birth control pills
antibiotics
congenital abnormalities
gallstones
Other Causes of Cholestasis
The following are the less common causes of Cholestasis:
cystic fibrosis
intrahepatic cholestasis
primary biliary cirrhosis
acute hepatitis
Risk Factors for Cholestasis
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Cholestasis:
personal or family history
history of liver damage
Prevention of Cholestasis
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Cholestasis. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B
avoid intravenous drugs
preventing sharing of needles
Occurrence of Cholestasis
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Cholestasis cases seen each year worldwide:
Very rare between 1K - 10K cases
Common Age Group
Cholestasis can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Cholestasis can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Cholestasis
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Cholestasis:
Computed Tomography (CT) scan: To view cross sectional images of gall bladder
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanning: To diagnose the detailed structure of soft tissues and organs
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: To determine the cause of disease
Abdominal Ultrasound: To visualize the internal organs of body
Doctor for Diagnosis of Cholestasis
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Cholestasis:
Gastroenterologist
Complications of Cholestasis if untreated
Yes, Cholestasis causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Cholestasis is left untreated:
diarrhea
organ failure
poor absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins
severe itching
osteomalacia
Procedures for Treatment of Cholestasis
The following procedures are used to treat Cholestasis:
Stent implantation: To open the areas of narrow or blocked bile ducts
Self-care for Cholestasis
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Cholestasis:
Cool baths: To prevent itching
Oatmeal baths: To soothe the skin
Application of ice: To reduce the itching
Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Cholestasis
The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Cholestasis:
Use of supplement S-adenosyl-L-methionine: Helps prevent itching
Patient Support for Treatment of Cholestasis
The following actions may help Cholestasis patients:
Join support and advocacy groups: Helps to connect with other patients and families