What causes cholestasis?
Intrahepatic cholestasis is usually caused by hepatitis or by medications that can produce symptoms resembling hepatitis. Phenothiazine-derivative drugs, including chlorpromazine, can cause sudden fever and inflammation. Symptoms usually disappear after use of the drug(s) is stopped. In rare cases, a condition resembling chronic biliary cirrhosis (a progressive disease characterized by destruction of small bile ducts) persists even after the medication is stopped. Some patients
experience a similar reaction in response to tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, imipramine), phenylbutazone (Butazolidin), erythromycin estolate (Estomycin, Purmycin), and other drugs. Intrahepatic cholestasis may also be caused by alcoholic liver disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, cancer that has spread (metastasized) from another part of the body, and a number of rare disorders.
Extrahepatic cholestasis is most often caused by a stone obstructing the passage through which bile travels from the gallbladder to the small intestine (common bile duct) or by pancreatic cancer. Less often, the condition occurs as a result of non-cancerous narrowing of the common duct (strictures), ductal carcinoma, or disorders of the pancreas
In cholestasis, eating binges may occur as often as several times daily for many months. These binges cause a sense of self-disgust, which leads to compensatory behaviors like self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise. A person with cholestasis may also abuse laxatives, diuretics or enemas in order to prevent weight gain. Such behaviors can be quite dangerous and may lead to serious medical complications over time. For example, the stomach acid which is introduced into the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach) during frequent vomiting can permanently damage this area. |
More information on cholestasis
What's cholestasis? - Cholestasis is a condition caused by rapidly developing or chronic interruption in the excretion of bile. Cholestasis is the obstruction of the flow of bile from the gall bladder.
What causes cholestasis? - Cholestasis is related to a transient injury. Cholestasis can also be the result of liver diseases such as sclerosing cholangitis, biliary atresia, primary biliary cirrhosis, and others.
What're the symptoms of cholestasis? - Symptoms of both intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholestasis include a yellow discoloration of the skin (jaundice), dark urine, and pale stools.
How is cholestasis diagnosed? - A history of hepatitis or heavy drinking, recent use of certain drugs, and symptoms like ascites and splenomegaly suggest intrahepatic cholestasis.
What's the treatment for cholestasis? - The goal of treatment for cholestasis is to eliminate or control the patient's symptoms. Cholestasis often does not respond to medical therapy of any sort.
What is cholestasis of pregnancy? - Cholestasis of pregnancy is a condition in which the normal flow of bile in the gallbladder is affected by the high amounts of pregnancy hormones.
What causes cholestasis of pregnancy? - Pregnancy hormones affect gallbladder function, resulting in slowing or stopping of the flow of bile.
What's the treatment for cholestasis of pregnancy? - The goals of treating cholestasis of pregnancy are to relieve the itching and prevent complications. |
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