Biliary spasm
Biliary Spasm: A Comprehensive Overview
Biliary spasm is a common condition caused by muscle contractions in the bile ducts that prevent bile from flowing through them. It is usually a symptom of an underlying liver or gallbladder disorder, such as gallstones, bile duct cancer, or hepatitis. Biliary spasm can cause abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and yellowing of the skin and eyes, and can be diagnosed by a combination of medical history, lab tests, imaging tests, and endoscopy. Treatment for biliary spasm depends on the underlying cause, but may include medications, minimally invasive surgical procedures, and/or lifestyle changes.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of biliary spasm is abdominal pain. This pain is usually felt in the upper right abdomen, and may be sharp and severe. Other symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Causes
Biliary spasm is usually caused by an underlying liver or gallbladder disorder, such as gallstones, bile duct cancer, or hepatitis. Other causes may include:
- Infection
- Injury
- Inflammation of the gallbladder or bile ducts
- Certain medications and supplements
Diagnosis
Your doctor will start by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical exam. Diagnosing biliary spasm may also include the following tests:
- Blood tests: These test results can help your doctor to determine if there is an infection or if there are elevated levels of certain enzymes, which could be caused by gallstones or other disorders.
- Imaging tests: These tests – such as a CT scan or ultrasound – can help your doctor to visualize and look for gallstones, tumors, or any other abnormalities in the bile ducts.
- Endoscopy: For this procedure, your doctor will use a thin, lighted tube with a camera on it to view and examine the inside of your bile duct.
Treatment
Treatment for biliary spasm depends on the underlying cause. It may include the following:
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to help reduce or prevent muscle spasms in the bile ducts.
- Minimally invasive surgical procedures: These procedures can be used to remove gallstones, treat tumors, or widen narrow bile ducts.
- Lifestyle changes: Your doctor may recommend making changes in your diet and lifestyle, such as avoiding certain foods, exercising regularly, and reducing stress.