1. Treat the Underlying Cause
Treating the condition that is causing cholestasis--a blockage of the flow of bile from your liver--can reverse the effects of the disease. Extrahepatic cholestasis happens outside of the liver, and can occur when there are tumors, stones or cysts blocking the flow of bile. Removing the offending structure is in order for this type of cholestasis. Diverticulitis is another cause of extrahepatic cholestasis, and is usually treated with antibiotic medications or, in some cases, surgery. Another form of the disease that occurs within your liver, called intrahepatic cholestasis, can be caused by cirrhosis and other forms of liver disease, as well as hepatitis, lymphoma, abscesses and even pregnancy. If you have intrahepatic cholestasis, your doctor will discuss the appropriate treatment for the underlying condition, as it varies wildly. During the time you're affected by cholestasis, your doctor may prescribe ursodeoxycholic acid to reduce the concentration of bile acids in your body.
2. Stop Taking Certain Medications
Certain types of medication can cause a blockage of some people's bile flow. You should immediately stop taking these drugs, with your doctor's knowledge. Drugs that can possibly induce cholestasis include birth control pills, anabolic steroids, the penicillin family of drugs, cimetidine, erythromycin and gold salts. Once you stop taking the medicine that is making you sick, it can be several months before the cholestasis resolves itself. In some more severe cases, the liver damage is permanent.
3. Relieve the Itching
Corticosteroid creams and medications can be used in most cases to treat the severe itching experienced by many people with cholestasis. Though many people often think of using antihistamines when they itch, this type of drug should not be used when you have cholestasis. Studies have shown that the itching associated with cholestasis is not related to histamine release, making histamine blockers ineffective.
