What Is Obstructive Jaundice? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Obstructive jaundice is also, in short, known as obstructive jaundice. It is a condition that takes people by surprise.  

This condition is not exactly a disease; rather, it is a warning sign that tells that something is causing a block in the normal flow of bile that moves from the liver to the intestine.  

Bile is a digestive fluid that is produced in the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and carried to the intestine through the bile duct to digest fats. When there is a blockage in the bile duct (passage), this condition is known as Obstructive Jaundice. 

When there is a blockage in the bile duct, bile can’t flow properly into the small intestine. Because of this, bile starts backing up, first into the bile duct, then into the liver.  

As bile keeps building up in the liver, some of it leaks into the bloodstream – that’s what causes the yellow color (jaundice) in the skin and eyes. 

So, yes, bile does accumulate, but mainly in the liver after the blockage, not just in the bile duct. 

This blockage leads to a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment, in the blood, which causes the classic yellowing of the skin and eyes.  

Understanding obs jaundice, its causes, symptoms, and treatment, can help you recognize when to seek medical help and what to expect on the road to recovery. 

What is Obstructive Jaundice? 

Let’s start with the basics: What is obstructive jaundice?  

In simple terms, it’s a type of jaundice that happens when something blocks the bile ducts, preventing bile from flowing out of the liver and into the intestines.  

This blockage causes bilirubin to accumulate in the body, leading to yellow skin, dark urine, and pale stools. While jaundice itself just means yellowing of the skin and eyes, obs jaundice points to a specific problem with bile drainage. 

Causes of Obstructive Jaundice 

There are several causes of obstructive jaundice, and knowing them can help you understand why this condition happens.  

The most common causes of obstructive jaundice include: 

Gallstones: These are the most frequent culprits. Gallstones can slip into the bile ducts and block the flow of bile. This is especially common in adults and can cause pain and infection. 

Tumours: Growths in the pancreas, gallbladder, or bile ducts can cause obs jaundice by pressing on or blocking the ducts. Tumours are a more serious cause and can sometimes be painless, which means they may go unnoticed until the jaundice appears. 

Strictures or Scarring: Sometimes, the bile ducts become narrowed due to previous infections, surgeries, or chronic inflammation, leading to a blockage. 

Infections and Inflammation: Conditions like cholangitis (infection of the bile ducts) or pancreatitis can swell and block the bile ducts. 

Other Causes: Rarely, cysts, enlarged lymph nodes, or congenital abnormalities can also block the bile ducts. 

It’s important to note that obs jaundice is not a standalone illness. It’s a symptom that something is wrong with the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. 

Obstructive Jaundice Symptoms 

Recognizing obstructive jaundice symptoms early can make a big difference. The main symptoms include: 

Yellowing of the skin and eyes: This is the most obvious sign and happens as bilirubin builds up in the body. 

Dark urine: When bilirubin can’t get into the intestines, it’s filtered out by the kidneys, making urine appear dark brown or tea-coloured. 

Pale or clay-coloured stools: Without bile, stools lose their normal brown colour and become pale or even greyish. 

Itchy skin: The buildup of bile salts in the skin can cause intense itching, sometimes even before the yellowing appears. 

Abdominal pain: This is more common when gallstones are the cause. The pain is usually in the upper right part of the abdomen and may come and go or be constant. 

Fever and chills: These can occur if the blockage leads to infection. 

Loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue: These symptoms are more common when tumours are the cause. 

Not everyone will have all these symptoms. The exact signs can depend on the underlying obstructive jaundice causes.

How is Obstructive Jaundice Diagnosed?

If you or someone you know shows signs of jaundice, it’s important to see a doctor promptly. Diagnosis usually involves:

Physical examination: Doctors look for yellowing of the skin and eyes, and check for abdominal tenderness.

Blood tests: These check levels of bilirubin and liver enzymes, helping to confirm jaundice and hint at the cause.

Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI can show blockages, stones, or tumours in the bile ducts.

Endoscopic tests: Sometimes, doctors use a special camera (endoscope) to look directly at the bile ducts and even remove stones if found.

Obstructive Jaundice Treatment 

Obstructive jaundice treatment depends on what’s causing the blockage. Here’s how doctors typically approach it:

Removing gallstones: If gallstones are the cause, doctors can often remove them using an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera) or through surgery.

Treating infections: Antibiotics are used if there’s an infection, and sometimes a temporary stent is placed to keep the bile duct open until surgery can be done.

Surgery for tumours: If a tumour is causing the blockage, surgery may be needed to remove it. In some cases, if surgery isn’t possible, a stent can be placed to relieve the blockage.

Supportive care: This includes IV fluids, pain relief, and medications to reduce itching.

The goal of obstructive jaundice treatment is always to clear the blockage and treat the underlying cause. In some cases, especially with cancer, additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation may be needed.

Living with Obs Jaundice

Obs jaundice can be a frightening experience, but many people recover fully, especially if the cause is benign, like gallstones.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key. If you notice yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools, don’t ignore these signs- see a doctor as soon as possible. 

Obs jaundice is a sign that your body needs attention. Recognising the symptoms and getting timely treatment can help you get back to good health.

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