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Warning-sign checks

Cholangitis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Go to emergency care for confusion, fainting, trouble breathing, severe weakness, persistent vomiting, or rapidly worsening symptoms.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical advice if jaundice, dark urine, pale stool, upper abdominal pain, fever, or chills return.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Some stents must be removed or exchanged within a planned period.

    Missing that follow-up can allow the stent to clog and infection to return.

    Routine follow-up may include repeat liver blood tests, review of culture results, and imaging or another endoscopic procedure.

    People treated for gallstone-related cholangitis may need a surgical consultation about gallbladder removal.

    Those with a stricture, chronic bile-duct disease, or suspected tumor may need ongoing specialist care.

The article also says

Before leaving the hospital, patients should understand what caused the blockage, whether it was fully treated, and whether a stent remains in place.

Take antibiotics exactly as directed and contact the treating team if side effects make them difficult to take.

Do not stop or extend antibiotics without medical guidance.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Cholangitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.