Cholestasis is a pathological condition characterized by impaired flow of bile from the liver and bile ducts.
With cholestasis, there is a decrease in the flow of bile into the intestines compared to normal. This leads to the development of obstructive jaundice - yellowing of the skin and sclera due to increased bilirubin content.
The causes of cholestasis can be different:
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Mechanical obstruction (blockage) of the extrahepatic bile ducts by a stone or tumor. This is called extrahepatic cholestasis.
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Damage to the liver parenchyma due to hepatitis, cirrhosis, and drug-induced lesions. This is intrahepatic cholestasis.
Characteristic symptoms of cholestasis:
- Yellowness of the skin and sclera of the eyes
- Dark urine due to high bilirubin content
- Stool discoloration - stool becomes light-colored due to lack of pigments
- Itching of the skin due to the accumulation of bile acids in the blood
Diagnosis of cholestasis includes laboratory tests for elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels, as well as imaging tests to determine the level of biliary obstruction. Treatment depends on the cause and is aimed at relieving the obstruction or underlying liver disease.
Cholestasis is a condition in which the patency of the biliary tract is impaired. Cholestasia occurs when too much bile accumulates in the intestines or when stones form in the bile ducts. The accumulation of bile is associated with the appearance of discolored stools and skin rashes.
Cholestasis is a dysfunctional disorder of the circulation of bile and its absorption in the duodenum. The disease manifests itself as a yellow color of the skin. It can be general or localized, have a constant or periodic course.
There are many reasons for the development of pathology - from hemolytic diseases and hepatitis to benign abnormalities. The most important are chronic liver lesions - cirrhosis, cholangiocholesterosis, tumors, autoimmune hepatitis, hypothyroidism, liver failure after a serious infectious lesion, hypovitaminosis A, developmental delay, congenital
Cholestasis: Insufficient bile supply and its consequences
Cholestasis is a disorder characterized by insufficient flow of bile into the intestines. This condition is often accompanied by obstructive jaundice, which is manifested by an increase in the content of bile pigments in the blood and tissues of the body. Cholestasis can occur due to mechanical blockage of the bile ducts and various liver diseases.
One cause of cholestasis is extrahepatic biliary obstruction, which may be caused by a mechanical obstruction such as a gallstone. The stone can block the normal flow of bile from the gallbladder into the intestines, causing bile to be retained in the liver. This leads to an increase in the content of bile pigments, such as bilirubin, in the blood, which is manifested by obstructive jaundice.
Intrahepatic cholestasis is another form of cholestasis associated with liver disease. It can be caused by various factors, including side effects of medications. For example, chlorpromazine, used to treat certain mental disorders, may cause cholestasis in some particularly sensitive patients. Intrahepatic cholestasis is characterized by a violation of the formation and excretion of bile inside the liver, which leads to retention of bile pigments and their increased content in the body.
One of the characteristic symptoms of cholestasis is jaundice. Patients with cholestasis may experience dark urine, discolored stool, and itchy skin. An increase in bile pigments in the blood can cause urine to change color, giving it a dark brown hue. Stool with cholestasis may become lighter in color due to a lack of bile pigments, which usually give it its characteristic brown color. In addition, many patients with cholestasis suffer from itchy skin, which can be intense and interfere with normal life.
Treatment for cholestasis depends on its cause and underlying symptoms. For patients with a mechanical blockage of the bile duct, surgery may be required to remove the obstruction and restore normal bile flow. In the case of intrahepatic cholestasis, it is necessary to consult a doctor to identify and treat the underlying liver disease, and to take measures to relieve symptoms and reduce discomfort. In such cases, special medications can be used to improve liver function and reduce the degree of cholestasis.
Besides treatment, preventing cholestasis is also an important aspect of liver health. This includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating a healthy diet, engaging in moderate physical activity, and avoiding excess alcohol consumption. It is also important to monitor your medications and consult your doctor about possible side effects, including the development of cholestasis.
Cholestasis is a serious condition that requires medical intervention and monitoring. At the first sign of jaundice, dark urine, discolored stool, or itchy skin, you should consult a doctor to diagnose and determine the cause of these symptoms. Early detection and treatment of cholestasis can help prevent complications and keep the liver and body healthy.