A Complete Guide to Cholestatic Liver Disease

ByDr. Vivek Vij

Liver diseases are on a rise in both younger and older populations around the globe. A sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating are rapidly pushing people towards various liver ailments. Cholesterol is one of them. In severe cases, the patient also needs to undergo a laparoscopic liver transplant procedure. It is a severe liver disorder that occurs when the bile flow from the liver is blocked or reduced. 

Bile plays a crucial role in aiding digestion. Any changes in the flow of bile can trigger bilirubin buildup which is ideally a pigment that is made by the liver and excreted from the body through bile. Keep reading on as this article talks more about cholestatic liver disease. 

Causes of Cholestasis

There are two forms of Cholestasis; Intrahepatic and Extrahepatic Cholestasis. Let us have a look at the causes of both:

Causes of Intrahepatic

  • Infection

  • Disease

  • Genetic abnormalities

  • Drug use

  • Hormonal effects on the flow of bile

  • Pregnancy

Causes of Extrahepatic

Anything that acts as an obstacle to the bile duct causes extrahepatic.  

  • Gallstones

  • Tumours

  • Cysts

Symptoms of Cholestasis

Unfortunately, Cholestasis is majorly symptom-free. But some signs can indicate the presence of Cholestasis in the body.

  • Jaundice)

  • Light-coloured stools

  • Dark urine

  • Fatigue

  • Abdominal pain

  • Excessive itching

  • Nausea

Medications

The liver plays a crucial role in absorbing and digesting medicines. However, some medicines are hard to digest and pose a threat to the liver. This condition can make you vulnerable to Cholestatic liver disease. Hence, make sure you always take medicines as directed by the doctor. Here are some of the medicines that can increase your chances of getting Cholestatic liver disorder. 

  • Anabolic Steriods

  • Antibiotics like Minocycline and Amoxicillin

  • Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories like Ibuprofen

  • oral contraceptives

  • Many antifungal drugs

  • Some antiepileptic drugs

  • Antimicrobial drugs

Diseases 

Apart from medications, certain diseases can also make one vulnerable to Cholestatic liver disease. Let us have a look at some of them:

  • Hepatitis, HIV, Epstein-Barr, and Cytomegalovirus

  • Bacteria infections

  • Genetic disorders like sickle cell disease

  • Some autoimmune diseases like primary biliary cirrhosis

  • Liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lymphomas 

Diagnosis

People who experience any signs and symptoms of Cholestatic liver disease should immediately consult the best liver transplant surgeon in the world. The doctor will first enquire about their medical history. Physical examination and blood tests are also conducted to get a better insight into the disease. 

If the results come abnormal, the doctor might recommend going for imaging screenings like MRI and ultrasound. In severe cases, doctors can also suggest a liver biopsy for a better understanding. 

Treatment

The treatment will depend upon the test reports of the patient. If the root cause of bile obstruction is a tumour or gallstone, then the doctor might recommend surgery to open the passage.

Bottom Line

Cholestatic liver disease is a fatal ailment that requires immediate medical attention. However, you can prevent it by leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Make sure you eat fresh food and drink clean water. Apart from this, regular exercising and yoga can also help in stimulating the functions of the liver. Last but not least, do not take any symptoms lightly and consult the best doctor for the right diagnosis and treatment.