What is Cholangitis?
Cholangitis is an infection of the common bile duct, the tube that carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder and intestines. Bile is a chemical that helps digest food.

How is it caused?
Cholangitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, which can occur when the duct is blocked by things such as a gallstone or tumor. The infection causing this condition may also spread to the liver.

Risk factors include a previous history of gallstones, biliary diseases such as sclerosing cholangitis, HIV, and, rarely, travel to countries where a worm or fluke infection can be contracted.

What are its symptoms?
1. Recurrent jaundice
2. Abdominal pain
3. Chills
4. Fever
5. Clay-colored stools
6. Dark urine
7. Nausea and vomiting

How is it diagnosed?
The condition can be diagnosed using the following tests:-

* Abdominal ultrasound
* Liver function tests
* Blood culture
* WBC

How can it be treated?
Antibiotics can cure infection. Usually, blockage bile ducts may be drained by ERCP or by PTBD.

Treatment of gallstones, tumors, and infestations of parasites may reduce the risk for some people. A metal or plastic stents within the bile system may be needed to prevent recurrence.


 

 Primary sclerosing cholangitis

  Cholangitis is inflammation of the bile duct caused by a gallstone or a bacterial infection.

  Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Select Language English Russian French German Italian Japanese Korean Portuguese Spanish Greek Dutch Hindi