Cholangitis (patient information)
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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 made by the liver that helps digest food.
What are the symptoms of Cholangitis?
The following symptoms may occur:
- In the right upper side or middle of the upper abdomen
- May come and go
- Pain is sharp, crampy, or dull
- Pain may move the back or below the right shoulder blade
- Chills
- Fever
- Clay-colored stools
- Dark urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice) -- may come and go
What are the causes of Cholangitis?
Cholangitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, which can occur when the duct is blocked by something, such as a gallstone or tumor. The infection causing this condition may also spread to the liver.
Who is at risk for Cholangitis?
Risk factors include:
- previous history of gallstones
- sclerosing cholangitis
- HIV
- narrowing of the common bile duct
- traveling to countries where you might catch a worm or parasite infection
How to know you have Cholangitis?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Cholangitis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Cholangitis