What is Cholangitis?

Description of the disease

Cholangitis is inflammation of the bile ducts, which can lead to serious complications such as gallstone disease and liver cirrhosis.

Classification

• Acute cholangitis
• Chronic cholangitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of cholangitis may include pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, jaundice, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Causes

Cholangitis can be caused by bacterial infection, blockage of the bile ducts, autoimmune diseases, or hepatitis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cholangitis includes blood tests, ultrasound studies, computed tomography, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Treatment

Treatment of cholangitis may include the use of antibiotics, drainage of the bile ducts, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and in some cases surgical intervention.

Prevention

Prevention of cholangitis includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, preventing infections, and regular medical check-ups.

Doctor

For the diagnosis and treatment of cholangitis, consultation with a gastroenterologist or hepatologist is required.