Cholangitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

When the cholangitis, an infection of the bile ducts that can lead to life-threatening complications if untreated. Also known as biliary tract infection, it typically happens when something blocks the bile duct—like a gallstone, tumor, or scar tissue—and bacteria build up behind it. This isn’t just a mild stomach upset. Left unchecked, cholangitis can spike your fever, turn your skin yellow, and send your liver into crisis.

It often shows up alongside other conditions like biliary obstruction, a blockage in the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the intestine. Think of bile as your body’s natural detergent—it breaks down fat and flushes out toxins. When it can’t flow, infection follows. Common causes include gallstones (the #1 culprit), strictures from past surgery, or even pancreatic cancer pressing on the duct. People with a history of gallbladder issues or liver disease are at higher risk. And yes, it can happen after procedures like ERCP, where tools are inserted into the bile ducts.

Cholangitis doesn’t whisper—it shouts. You’ll likely feel sudden fever and chills, right alongside intense pain in your upper right belly. Your skin or eyes might turn yellow. You could feel nauseous, dizzy, or just plain awful. If you’ve had these symptoms before and they’re back, don’t wait. Early treatment with antibiotic treatment, the first line of defense against bacterial infection in the bile ducts. is critical. Doctors usually start with IV antibiotics like ciprofloxacin or metronidazole, then work to remove the blockage—sometimes with a stent, sometimes with surgery. The goal? Clear the infection and get bile flowing again.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just theory. These are real-world comparisons and guides from people who’ve dealt with liver and bile duct issues—like how dexamethasone helps with inflammation in COPD, or how antibiotics like erythromycin are used safely in pregnancy. The same principles apply here: knowing what drugs work, when to act, and how to avoid complications makes all the difference. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or just trying to understand your symptoms, the info here is practical, direct, and built for real life.