1. Recognize the Physical Evidence
Learn about the physical symptoms you might experience if you have cholestasis, in order to identify if you have the condition. Suffering from cholestasis means that bile can't flow out of your liver. There are many underlying causes of cholestasis, including tumors, being infected with hepatitis, taking medications that induce cholestasis, having diverticulitis or having cirrhosis. One of the first symptoms you'll encounter is jaundice, a yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes. Your hands and feet will itch, sometimes quite intensely. You may have stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. People who have cholestasis have very dark urine and very light-colored stools.
2. Have Blood Tests to Measure Bilirubin Levels
Your doctor will want to test your bilirubin levels if, after performing a physical exam and taking note of your symptoms, he suspects you have cholestasis. When you have jaundice, your bilirubin levels are higher than normal. Blood tests can give your doctor a better picture of how high your bilirubin is, in an attempt to diagnose your condition. Blood tests that measure your liver enzymes and function can also be used to confirm you have cholestasis.
3. Utilize Imaging Technology
Imaging equipment allows doctors to see your liver and bile ducts and determine exactly where within your liver the problem located. CT scans, ultrasounds and MRIs may all be used as diagnostic tools in this case. A procedure called an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be performed while you are under sedation, to determine the exact cause of your cholestasis. You will have an endoscope inserted through your mouth that extends down to your small intestine. Using a catheter, your doctor will inject a dye into your bile ducts so he can identify blockages or tumors.
