Cholelithiasis is a pathological condition in which a change in the composition of bile leads to the formation of stones in the gallbladder and its ducts. As a result, the outflow of bile is disrupted, which can further develop inflammatory processes, organ infection, and further loss of their functions. In Ukraine, 6-8% of the population suffers from gastrointestinal problems. One of the most common diseases is cholangitis. It is an inflammatory process that occurs in the bile ducts that connect the liver and intestines. It is divided into acute and chronic and is often accompanied by symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, fever, and general weakness. Risk factors for its development include cholelithiasis, infections, biliary tract surgery, inflammatory biliary diseases, and consumption of alcohol and other harmful substances.
SYMPTOMS OF CHOLANGITIS
The main common symptom of cholangitis is generalized fatigue and abdominal pain, which patients may not pay attention to due to typical symptoms similar to fatigue or poor diet, etc.
The most well-known symptom is jaundice, when the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow due to the accumulation of bile pigments in the blood.
This disease is divided into three types:
Acute cholangitis is an exacerbation of the inflammatory process in the biliary tract and usually occurs suddenly.
Chronic, which develops slowly and symptoms may be less pronounced. It is often associated with a prolonged inflammatory process.
Sclerosing hepatitis, which manifests itself after surgery. The bile ducts gradually become blocked and liver disease – cirrhosis – often occurs.
Attention should also be paid to extra-abdominal manifestations. They include:
- General discomfort
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Itchy skin
Sometimes it affects other organs such as the pancreas and can cause pancreatitis.
DIAGNOSIS OF CHOLANGITIS
So who to see if you have symptoms? In the treatment of any type of cholangitis, a surgeon will help you, who will conduct a diagnosis that includes
- General tests – Fecal analysis for helminths
- Duodenal probing (in order to take bile for bacterial testing)
- ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION
- Pancreatic cholangiography (Injection of radiopaque substance into the bile ducts and its ducts to check their patency.
- Cholecystography
MRI TREATMENT OF CHOLANGITIS IN SKHIDNYTSIA Treatment of cholangitis can be conservative or surgical, depending on the degree of blockage of the bile ducts.
In case of complete blockage of the bile ducts, surgical intervention is necessary, in case of partial blockage – a course of treatment. The course of medical treatment includes the following prescriptions
- antibiotics: to eliminate infections
- antispasmodics and analgesics: to relieve pain
- anthelmintic drugs for parasitic infections in the ducts
- hepatoprotectors: to normalize the process of bile acid metabolism
- intravenous drip administration of glucose-salt solutions Surgical intervention consists in external extrahepatic drainage of the bile ducts, which consists in the installation of a drainage tube into the lumen of the bile ducts to remove pathological fluid accumulations.
Also, endoscopic debulking of the tumor structure of the bile ducts is performed. This helps to restore the disturbed outflow. What is the role of a balanced diet in cholangitis? Operated patients should be on a diet that aims to reduce calorie intake by reducing fats and proteins in the daily diet. Nutritionists recommend eating boiled, warm, preferably unsalted food – 5-6 times a day in small portions.
Allowed to be consumed:
- Viscous cereals
- Vegetables and herbs
- Boiled eggs and greens
- Steamed chicken and lean fish
- Vegetable light soups
- Low-fat cottage cheese
- Low-strength tea
Contraindications are such products as:
- Soups with broths
- Fatty meat and fish
- Strong coffee and alcohol
- Canned and pickled vegetables
- Sour fruits and berries
PREVENTION OF CHOLANGITIS
Cholangitis prevention is mandatory and prevents the development of cholangitis and biliary tract health, which includes:
- A balanced diet: Prevents gallstones from being avoided and bile from being contaminated.
- Physical activity: Supports overall health.
- Immunization: Prevents a number of diseases such as hepatitis.
- Regular medical examinations: Help to identify possible problems and speed up their treatment.
- Avoiding bad habits: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.
- Prevent infections: Follow good hygiene practices.
- Ensuring nutritional safety: Avoid consuming insufficiently processed or contaminated foods.
- Treating pre-existing conditions: i.e., treating conditions that may lead to LCD.
CONCLUSION.
Cholangitis is a serious disease of the biliary tract. Prevention and timely diagnosis is a critical aspect of ensuring the patient’s health. The main conclusion regarding treatment and prevention is:
- A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and physical activity, are key elements of prevention.
- Vaccination against viral hepatitis can help prevent infectious cholangitis.
- Regular medical examinations and timely visit to a doctor if cholangitis is suspected are important for detecting and treating this disease at an early stage.
- Avoiding bad habits and preventing infections is imperative.
It is important to remember that timely visit to a doctor and following the recommendations of medical specialists can help prevent complications and improve the prognosis for patients facing cholangitis. All patients with suspected cholangitis should immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
