Do I Have Acute Cholangitis?

Do you have fever over 38C for more than 24 hours?

Do you have sudden pain in the upper right side or in the middle of your abdomen?

Do you feel that your abdominal pain spread to the back and between the shoulder blades?

Do you feel tenderness in your upper abdomen when you touch it?

Do you feel nausea and vomiting?

Do you have yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)?

Do you have dark urine or pale stool?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have acute cholangitis. Acute cholangitis is an inflammation of the bile duct system and in most cases occur in the bile ducts which are already partially obstructed by gallstones. It needs to be said that some people whit acute cholangitis may not have any symptoms at all. Please, see your doctor about your symptoms in order to get diagnosis and appropriate treatment. It is good to know that people who have gallstones are at greater risk for cholangitis.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have acute cholangitis. Acute cholangitis is an inflammation of the bile duct system, usually caused by bacteria and often occurs in the bile duct, which is already partially obstructed by gallstones. Acute cholangitis often happens suddenly and symptoms may appear over a short time period. Acute cholangitis is characterized by the combination of jaundice, fever and right upper quadrant abdominal pain (Charcot's cholangitis triad). I you have these symptoms please see you physician right away. In most cases, hospitalization is necessary. Whit prompt diagnosis and treatment most people recover from cholangitis.