Cholestasis is a liver disorder defined by disrupted bile flow. Bile, crucial for digestion and waste elimination, can be affected either within the liver (intrahepatic cholestasis) or due to blockages in external bile ducts (extrahepatic cholestasis). Its causes vary widely, encompassing genetic mutations, certain medications, liver diseases like primary biliary cholangitis, as well as gallstones, tumors, and inflammation. When bile accumulates, it damages liver cells, manifesting as symptoms like jaundice, itching, dark urine, and pale stools. If left untreated, cholestasis can progress to severe conditions such as cirrhosis and liver failure, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis and appropriate management.
