What are the symptoms of cholestasis?
Jaundice (yellow eyes or skin) is a symptom of cholestatis and is caused by a build-up of bile in the liver and the body. Jaundice can be caused by other problems and can be mild and can come and go. So it is not specific for cholestasis, but is frequently present. Itching (pruritus) is one of the main symptom of cholestasis in many patients. The build up of bile in the body causes the itching. Young infants who are unable to scratch may be irritable, fretful or sleep poorly. Some children with cholestasis will experience poor growth because of poor intestinal absorption of food. Others may have symptoms of vitamin deficiency, since bile in the intestines is important for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from the diet. These symptoms may include bruising or bleeding, bone pain or fractures and problems with balance and muscle coordination.
