What is Cholestasis?
Cholestasis is a medical term that refers to the reduction (or cessation) of bile flow from the liver to the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). It can occur at any age and in both men and women. Cholestasis can be caused by various factors and can lead to different symptoms.
Types of Cholestasis
Based on the location of cholestasis (where the reduction or cessation of bile flow occurs along the bile’s path from the liver to the duodenum), it is classified as:
- Intrahepatic (the cause of cholestasis is within the liver)
- Extrahepatic (the cause of cholestasis is outside the liver)
Cholestasis can also be:
- Acute – occurs suddenly and can be extremely life-threatening. This usually happens when there is a severe blockage in the bile ducts, leading to the accumulation of toxins in the body.
- Chronic – characterized by long-term reduced bile flow and can lead to liver damage.
Symptoms of Cholestasis
Symptoms of cholestasis may vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Jaundice – This is the most common symptom of cholestasis. The skin, eyes, and mucous membranes may turn yellow due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the body. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment released during the breakdown of red blood cells. If it is not eliminated from the body through bile, it can accumulate and cause jaundice.
- Dark urine – This symptom is also a result of increased bilirubin concentration in the body.
- Light-colored stool – This symptom is due to the lack of bile pigments in the stool.
- Itching – Many people suffering from cholestasis experience skin itching due to the buildup of bile acids that irritate the skin.
- Loss of appetite – Cholestasis can affect your ability to digest food and appetite, leading to weight loss and loss of appetite.
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Enlarged liver and spleen
What Can Cause Cholestasis?
The causes of this condition can result from various factors such as infections (e.g., viral hepatitis), liver diseases, certain medications, mechanical causes (swelling, stones, spasms, parasites, enlarged lymph nodes, tumors), genetic factors, and pregnancy.
Cholestasis in Pregnancy
Cholestasis in pregnancy is a relatively rare condition that can affect pregnant women, usually in the second half of pregnancy. It is the intrahepatic type of cholestasis and is believed to be caused by high concentrations of the hormone estrogen in the pregnant woman’s body. The symptoms of cholestasis in pregnancy can be similar to other forms of cholestasis, but some specific symptoms include:
- Intense itching – Pregnant women with cholestasis may experience extremely strong itching that often starts on the palms and soles and can spread to other parts of the body.
- Loss of appetite – Similar to general cholestasis, pregnant women with cholestasis may have a loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Dark urine and light-colored stool
Cholestasis in pregnancy is a benign condition with a good prognosis. After childbirth, symptoms completely subside, but it is very important for pregnant women who experience symptoms of cholestasis to seek medical attention, as cholestasis in pregnancy can affect the baby’s health and requires regular monitoring of the mother and fetus.
Diagnosis
If you have any of the mentioned symptoms, you should consult your doctor, who will make an accurate diagnosis based on an examination, medical history, and laboratory tests, and propose the appropriate treatment. The treatment of cholestasis depends on the cause and severity of the condition.
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