Obstructive jaundice is caused by a blockage in the biliary system, leading to a buildup of bile in the bloodstream, which can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes. It can be caused by gallstones, pancreatic cancer, parasites, or trauma. It can lead to serious infections and requires emergency medical attention. Treatment depends on the cause and may include surgery or chemotherapy.
Obstructive jaundice is a medical condition caused by a blockage in the body’s biliary system leading to a buildup of bile in the body’s bloodstream. Once the bile is in the bloodstream, it is then transported to the various organs of the body. The biliruben contained in bile has a yellow color, which also causes the person’s skin, eyes and mucous membranes to turn yellow. Because obstructive jaundice is a serious condition, it can lead to infection and even death if it is not treated by healthcare professionals.
Blockages within the body’s biliary system can originate from one of several causes. The most common source of a blockage is from gallstones that build up in the bile duct. Obstructive jaundice can also be a sign of pancreatic cancer, with the cancerous growth blocking the passageway into the head of the pancreas. Less common causes include parasites that live within the bile duct, cancerous growths in the biliary system, and general trauma experienced by a patient. Some people are born with an abnormally shaped biliary system, which does not allow bile to flow properly.
The introduction of bile into the bloodstream can lead to serious infections. If a person suspects that they or someone else has obstructive jaundice, that person should seek emergency medical attention right away. Without proper treatment, bile flowing into the bloodstream from obstructive jaundice can lead to not only serious infections of various organs, but also organ failure and ultimately death.
Yellow skin and eyes are the most obvious symptom of obstructive jaundice. Other symptoms include dark urine, abdominal pain, and pale stools. Life-threatening symptoms include a fever measuring 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius), severe abdominal pain or bloating, and nausea.
The treatment a patient with obstructive jaundice receives depends on the cause of the condition. Some patients may just need to adjust their diet or take antibiotics to correct their condition. Surgery may be needed to correct the structure of the biliary system or to remove blockages, or chemotherapy may be needed to treat cancerous growths.
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