Cholestasis – Causes and Symptoms
Cholestasis is a type of health disorder in which the bile is unable to enter the duodenum from the liver. Our body needs bile for digesting fats. Bile is secreted in the liver and stored in the gall bladder. When the fat from the food enters the small intestine or duodenum, the bile stored in the gall bladder is discharged in the small intestine, where it helps to break down fat. If the normal process of bile circulation is impaired due to some reason, cholestasis develops.
Causes of cholestasis
Several factors might contribute to this health disorder. Disruption in bile circulation may develop from a liver disorder or it might develop outside the liver. Viral infection of the liver, such as acute hepatitis, fatty liver, alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer can cause this condition. Cholestasis sometimes develops during pregnancy. Obstetric cholestasis usually develops during late pregnancy. Although, the exact cause of this condition during pregnancy is unknown, it is believed that the pregnancy hormones might obstruct bile circulation.
Other than liver malfunction, cholestasis could develop from pancreatitis, pancreas cancer, scarring or narrowing of the bile duct or bile duct cancer. Stone present in the bile duct might obstruct bile circulation.
Symptoms of cholestasis
If the bile circulation is impaired, the bilirubin level in the blood increases. The excess bilirubin makes the color of the skin and the white of the eye appear yellow in color. Excess bilirubin excretion through the kidney produces dark colored urine. Obstruction in the passage of bilirubin through the intestines reduces the amount of bilirubin in the stool, lightening the color of the stool. Absence of bile discharge in the small intestine prevents fat digestion. The stool will contain excess fat. The stool of people suffering from cholestasis will have an extremely fowl odor. If bile fails to enter the intestine, absorption of calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K will be impaired. If cholestasis exists for a prolonged period, it will cause loss of bone density. Poor absorption of vitamin K will increase the risk of bleeding. Intense itching, particularly on the hands and feet, especially during the night is a symptom of cholestasis.
Cholestasis treatment
Cholestasis could be cured by treating the underlying health disorder responsible for this condition.
