Cholangitis

Cholangitis Email this page to a friend Email this page to a friend Facebook Twitter Google+ Cholangitis is an infection of the bile ducts, the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and intestines. Bile is a liquid made by the liver that helps digest food. Causes Cholangitis is most often caused by bacteria. This can occur when the duct is blocked by something, such as a gallstone or tumor. The infection causing this condition may also spread to the liver. Risk factors include a previous history of gallstones, sclerosing cholangitis, HIV, narrowing of the common bile duct, and rarely, travel to countries where you might catch a worm or parasite infection. Symptoms The following symptoms may occur: Pain on the upper right side or upper middle part of the abdomen. It may also be felt in the back or below the right shoulder blade. The pain may come and go and feel sharp, cramp-like, or dull. Fever and chills. Dark urine and clay-colored stools. Nausea and vomiting. Yellowing of the skin (jaundice), which may come and go.