Remedies for Cholestatic Hepatitis Itching

Cholestatis is the term used for any reduction or stoppage of the normal flow of digestive bile from the liver to the gall bladder. When this condition is caused by the presence of viral hepatitis, the resulting ailment is called cholestatic hepatitis. Itching is a common side effect of cholestatic hepatitis. Remedies for this itching include medication and the resolution of the underlying condition.

Understanding Your Symptoms

• If you suffer from hepatitis A, your symptoms may include cholestasis caused by inflammation of the small channels that normally transport bile from your liver cells. If this occurs, you may experience severe itching, along with other primary signs of hepatitis A, including fatigue, low-grade fever, nausea and vomiting, muscle pain, darkened urine and jaundice (yellowing of your skin and eye whites). Typically, you will not experience cholestatic itching or other symptoms until you have been infected by hepatitis A for at least one month.

Medication

• There is no specific cure for hepatitis A, and typically the disease runs its course in two to six months. According to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, your cholestatic itching will disappear along with your hepatitis. To reduce the severity of your itching while hepatitis is present, your doctor may prescribe an oral medication called cholestyramine, which under other circumstances is used to lower high levels of blood cholesterol. In cases of cholestatic hepatitis, cholestyramine works by binding certain bile components in your intestine so that they cannot be reabsorbed into your system and irritate your skin.

  Cholestyramine use may be dangerous if you have certain medical conditions, including stomach or intestinal blockages, diabetes, chronic constipation, liver or kidney disease, or any disorders of your thyroid gland. If you have any of these conditions, your doctor may adjust your dosage or otherwise safeguard your health for cholestyramine use. Potential side effects of cholestyramine include severe stomach pain, bloody urine, shortness of breath, constipation, black or bloody stools, easy bleeding or bruising, gas, bloating, rectal itching, tongue irritation and muscle or joint pain. Tell your doctor if any of these side effects occur.

Additional Considerations

• While you have cholestatic hepatitis, your doctor will likely ask you to stop using any substance that puts additional stress on your liver. This includes alcohol and certain recreational and prescription drugs. Be prepared to review your drug and alcohol use with your doctor, and be aware that you may be asked to temporarily change your use of some medications. See your doctor for more details on what to expect.