Bile duct obstruction occurs when bile tubes become blocked, causing medical conditions such as jaundice and fever. Causes include cysts, gallstones, inflamed lymph nodes, and tumors. Symptoms include pain, dark urine, and jaundice. Diagnosis methods include physical exams, blood tests, and imaging. Treatment depends on the cause.
A bile duct obstruction, also known as biliary obstruction, occurs when the tubes used to carry bile through the body become blocked. Typically, bile travels from the liver to the small intestine and gallbladder. When it cannot leave the liver, a number of medical conditions can arise, such as jaundice, fever and pain in the abdominal region. Certain groups of people are more prone to an obstruction, such as those with weak immune systems, individuals who have a history of pancreatic or biliary tract cancer, or people with a history of gallstones. Fortunately, a bile duct obstruction can be diagnosed and treated.
With a bile duct blockage, it is important to find out the causes of the condition as the causes are often related to the type of treatment the person will receive. The most common cause of bile duct blockage is cyst formation near the duct. The cysts will typically be surgically removed, thus opening the duct and treating the condition. Gallstones can also cause the condition. In many cases, the gallbladder can be surgically removed or, in rare cases, the gallstones can dissolve over time using medications.
Other causes of bile duct blockage include an inflamed lymph node or an infected bile duct. In these cases, antibiotics are usually prescribed to reduce inflammation and treat the infection. Once the bile duct is no longer inflamed, bile should flow freely. Tumors of the pancreas or bile ducts can also cause the condition. Typically, any cancerous tumors will be removed or, alternatively, stents will be used to widen the tubes and allow bile to flow if the tumor is to remain in place.
There are some symptoms that may indicate a bile duct blockage. For example, some individuals experience pain in the upper right section of the abdomen. Other affected individuals have abnormally dark colored urine, itching, or fever. In some cases, the person develops yellow skin or jaundice. Abnormal stool coloration, nausea, and vomiting are also possible symptoms of the condition.
There are several methods that can allow a doctor to determine whether or not a person has a bile duct blockage. For example, a physical exam of the stomach area may allow your doctor to detect tumors, cysts, or stones. Also, a blood test can reveal if the person has an abnormally high breakdown of bile or bilirubin. Other blood tests may be used to analyze alkaline phosphate and liver enzyme levels. Using an ultrasound machine or a computed tomography (CT) scan can allow your doctor to visually look for blockages to your bile ducts.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
