What is cholangitis primarily caused by?

Cholangitis is primarily caused by obstruction of the common bile duct. This obstruction typically leads to the stagnation of bile and creates a favorable environment for bacterial overgrowth, often resulting in infection. The most common underlying causes of this obstruction include gallstones, strictures, or tumors that block the bile duct.

When the bile flow is disrupted, it can lead to elevated pressure in the bile ducts, inflammation, and subsequently infection, manifesting as cholangitis. Classic symptoms include fever, jaundice, and right upper quadrant pain, which reflect the systemic response to the infection and the biliary obstruction.

While viral infections and conditions such as gallbladder perforation or acute pancreatitis can complicate bile duct issues, they are not the primary cause of cholangitis. The direct link between bile duct obstruction and cholangitis emphasizes the importance of addressing any causes of obstruction to prevent infection and its serious consequences.