Cholestatic Liver Diseases Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
Cholestasis is the slowing or stalling of bile flow from the liver. The liver produces bile and delivers it to the digestive system through a network of vessels called bile ducts. Bile ducts run through the liver (intrahepatic ducts) as well as outside of it (extrahepatic ducts). They connect the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and small intestine. These organs and bile ducts make up the biliary system. When bile can’t flow properly through your biliary system, it affects all of these organs and vessels. So, in Cholestasis, bile backs up in your bile ducts and organs, irritating the tissues and interfering with their function. It also begins to leak into your bloodstream, which has a toxic effect. It causes uncomfortable symptoms, and eventually, illness. Cholestasis can be a temporary problem or an ongoing and worsening one. Common Intrahepatic Cholestatic Liver Diseases Common intrahepatic cholestatic liver diseases include: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) Primary sclerosing chol...