Cholestasis Symptoms, Causes, and Outlook
Cholestasis is a reduction or cessation of the flow of bile.
It commonly occurs in pregnancy but can also happen in males and females who are not pregnant.
Cholestasis can cause the skin and the whites of the eyes to appear yellow.
Illustration by Ellen Lindner for Verywell Health
It may also cause itchy skin, fatigue, nausea, and foul-smelling stools.
The condition can affect people of all ages.
This article discusses cholestasis and what causes it.
It also covers how this condition is diagnosed and treated.
Illustration by Ellen Lindner for Verywell Health
What Is Cholestasis?
Cholestasis happens when the flow of bile from the liver slows or stops.
The lack of any of the substances that are normally secreted into bile can cause cholestasis.
These substances include:
Cholestasis can occur in men and women of any age.
This eventually causes a yellowish hue to the skin and whites of the eyes, as found in jaundice.
Jaundice occurs due to the excess in bilirubin pigment.
Jaundice anditchy skinare the two most characteristic symptoms of cholestasis.
It may worsen in the evenings.
Adults with long-term cholestasis are often free of symptoms.
An obstruction in the flow of any of the substances that make up bile can result in cholestasis.
Causes Affecting Your Liver
Many of the conditions that can cause cholestasis affect the liver directly.
Some medications are harder for the liver to break down and may even become toxic to it.
Cholestasis Treatment
Treatment of cholestasis depends on the underlying cause.
These include:
If hepatitis is the underlying cause, cholestasis will subside once thehepatitisis cleared up.
Be sure to discuss your individual case and your options with your healthcare provider.
Summary
Cholestasis takes place if the flow of bile from the liver stops or slows.
Symptoms of cholestasis include a yellowing of the skin and eyes, itching, fatigue, and nausea.
Treatment depends on the cause of the condition.
Some cases of cholestasis are curable with surgery and others require long-term management.
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