Cholangitis Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis And Treatment

Cholangitis symptoms present as pain in the right side or middle of the upper abdomen that may be sharp, crampy or dull in nature. Cholangitis is an inflammation of the Common Bile Duct, which is the duct that carries bile from the gallbladder and liver to the small intestine. This article shares the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment for this gastrointestinal disorder.

Cholangitis Symptoms And Causes

Symptoms associated with this condition may include:

• Abdominal pain noted in the middle or right side of the upper abdomen that is sharp, crampy or dull in nature
• Pain that radiates into the back or below the right shoulder blade
• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Clay-colored bowel movement
• Dark urine
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) may be present

This condition is typically caused by a bacterial infection that may result due to an obstruction of the common bile duct. Obstruction of the duct may be caused by a gallstone or tumor. Risk of developing this condition increase in those individuals with gallstones, HIV, or narrowing of the common bile duct.

Cholangitis Diagnosis And Treatment

In formulating a diagnosis, the earlier mentioned symptoms will be noticed by the individual and must be evaluated by a medical doctor. The evaluation may include a physical exam and blood tests and possibly specialized tests such as an abdominal ultrasound, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) or Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTCA).

Treatment should not be delayed and a consultation with a medical professional is important upon the onset of symptoms. Antibiotics will likely be prescribed to fight infection. Surgery is often necessary for treatment of this condition.

The prognosis for recovery from this condition is good when prompt medical treatment is provided. If proper care is delayed or inadequate serious health complications such as sepsis, which is a severe condition in which the bloodstream is overwhelmed by bacteria, may result.