5. Acute Cholangitis
When a stone blocks the bile ducts completely, the continuous production of bile (which cannot pass through) causes them to dilate and become painful. Bilirubin, a pigment found in bile, then leaks into the blood, causing the skin to turn yellow. Normal bacteria found in the gallbladder become concentrated and start to increase in number, causing infection and fever. The combination of these three signs: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin), abdominal pain, and fever, is known as Charcot’s triad, a warning sign specific to Acute Cholangitis.
Acute Cholangitis is a serious condition and is treated medically with a combination of fasting, pain relievers and high grade intravenous antibiotics to battle the bacteria present. ERCP or Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography, is used to see inside the bile ducts. On rare occasions, tumors instead of gallstones are found to be the cause of the blockage.
