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Contents
  • Understanding Acute Cholangitis
  • Causes and Risk Factors
  • Recognizing the Symptoms

What Is Acute Cholangitis and How Does It Affect You?

What Is Acute Cholangitis and How Does It Affect You?

Why It Matters

Acute cholangitis is a serious condition caused by an infection in the bile duct. It can range from mild to life-threatening, making it essential to understand its symptoms and treatment.
Contents
  • Understanding Acute Cholangitis
  • Causes and Risk Factors
  • Recognizing the Symptoms

Understanding Acute Cholangitis

Acute cholangitis, also known as ascending cholangitis, results from an infection in the bile duct due to blockage. This blockage can be caused by gallstones, tumors, or other obstructions. It often presents with a combination of fever, abdominal pain, and jaundice, known as Charcot's triad.

Causes and Risk Factors

The most common cause of acute cholangitis is gallstones blocking the bile duct. Other causes include tumors and strictures, which can be benign or malignant. Certain medical procedures like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography can also increase the risk of developing this condition.
Acute cholangitis, also known as ascending cholangitis, is an infection of the bile duct due to obstruction often caused by gallstones, tumors, or other blockages.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Common symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, and jaundice. In severe cases, additional symptoms such as confusion and low blood pressure may occur. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications like sepsis or liver abscesses.

FAQs

What is Charcot's triad?

Charcot's triad refers to the symptoms of fever, abdominal pain, and jaundice in acute cholangitis.

What causes acute cholangitis?

It is typically caused by an infection due to a blockage in the bile duct, often from gallstones.

Can acute cholangitis be life-threatening?

Yes, if severe and untreated, it can lead to serious complications like sepsis.

How is acute cholangitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves symptoms assessment, blood tests, and imaging to identify bile duct blockage.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the symptoms and causes of acute cholangitis is crucial for timely treatment and prevention of severe complications.
Get started by talking with Doctronic about recognizing and managing acute cholangitis.
Additional References
  1. Boey JH, Way LW. Acute cholangitis. Ann Surg 1980; 191:264.
  2. Kimura Y, et al. Tokyo Guidelines. J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg 2007; 14:15.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.