CHOLESTASIS

Cholestasis is a liver disease. It occurs when the flow of bile from your liver is
reduced or blocked. Bile is fluid produced by your liver that aids in the digestion
of food, especially fats. When bile flow is altered, it can lead to a buildup of
bilirubin. Bilirubin is a pigment produced by your liver and excreted from your
body via bile.

There are two types of cholestasis: intrahepatic cholestasis and extrahepatic

cholestasis. Intrahepatic cholestasis originates within the liver. It can be caused
by:

 disease
 infection
 drug use
 genetic abnormalities
 hormonal effects on bile flow

Pregnancy can also increase your risk for this condition.

Extrahepatic cholestasis is caused by a physical barrier to the bile ducts.

Blockages from things like gallstones, cysts, and tumors restrict the flow of bile.

Symptoms
Both types of cholestasis result in the same symptoms:

 jaundice, which is a yellowing of your skin and the white of your eyes
 dark urine
 light-colored stool
 pain in your abdomen
  fatigue
 nausea
 excessive itching

Not everyone with cholestasis has symptoms, and adults with chronic cholestasis are
oftenTrusted Source symptom-free.

Causes of cholestasis
Bile blockage can be caused by a number of factors.

Medications

Your liver plays an important role in metabolizing medications. Some medications are
more difficult for your liver to metabolize than others and may beTrusted Source toxic to
your liver. These medications include:

 some antibiotics, such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Moxatag) and minocycline

(Minocin)
 anabolic steroids
 some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil,
Motrin IB)
 oral contraceptives
 certain antiepileptic drugs
 certain antifungal drugs
 some antipsychotic drugs
 certain antimicrobial drugs

You should always take medications as directed, and don’t stop taking medications your
doctor has prescribed without talking with them first.
Diseases

Certain diseases can causeTrusted Source scarring or inflammation to the bile ducts,

leading to cholestasis. Conditions include:

 infections from viruses such as HIV, hepatitis, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr

 bacterial infections
 certain autoimmune diseases, such as primary biliary cirrhosis, which can cause
your immune system to attack and damage the bile ducts
 genetic disorders, such as sickle cell disease
 certain cancers, such as liver and pancreatic cancer, as well as lymphomas