The Bile Duct Symptoms You Should Know

A small pouch that sits under the liver is the gallbladder. The organ stores bile juice produced by the liver. This juice helps in digestion of fats. Typically, the gallbladder is not that essential. It does not cause too many problems and is not a cause much concern. But, if by any reason the flow of bile slows down or blocks from the gallbladder, many problems may arise. One of common problems is Gallstones.

Formation & Causes of Gallstones

Also known as Cholelithiasis, is a condition in which stones of smaller or larger sizes are formed in the gallbladder. These stones develop from the substances found in bile that includes the bilirubin pigment and cholesterol. Gallstones may cause pain, typically known as biliary colic. But in most cases people with the condition show no symptoms.

Biliary colic is generally used to explain the critical episodes of pain due to the blockage of bile flow by gallstones to the small intestine. Usually, these episodes can last for one to five hours. They specifically are caused by consuming fatty and large meals.

Gallstones can also cause inflammation of the gallbladder. This is medically known as Cholecystitis. The irritation of gallstones can cause the gallbladder walls to swell and excruciating pain. During this inflammation period, fever is a usual sign. Such episodes of inflammation strictly require medical treatment, particularly if you have a fever.

Therefore, if you experience any such symptoms of gallstones that we have listed below, make sure to consult your doctor for medical assessment.

Abdominal Pain

One of the most common signs of having gallstones is abdominal pain, especially after consuming fatty meals. This pain can be described as dull or intense discomfort located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. In response to consumption of such meals or other normal stimuli, the gallbladder contracts and forces the stones out of the bile juice holder. This process causes the pain that can last from a few minutes to a few hours.

Such frequent episodes of abdominal pain are a call for an urgent check-up. However, there have been some cases, wherein pain does not occur and hence many patients do not opt for gallbladder surgery.

Nausea & Vomiting

There are cases where the gallstone can get stuck in one of the ducts and disrupts the normal flow of digestive enzymes. This causes swelling and worsens the pain that triggers nausea and vomiting. Unless it’s a symptom for pregnancy, you can consult a doctor for such unexplained nausea and vomiting.

Fever and Chills

In any case, an individual suffers from chills, fevers, rapid heartbeat and prolonged abdominal pain, it indicates that the outflow of gallbladder is totally blocked and has caused an infection. This can be life threatening, if ignored. Therefore, it is very important to seek a medical consultation for the indication.

Pancreatitis

The inflammation of pancreas is known as pancreatitis. If you develop pancreatitis, you should check for gallstones. If the gallstone gets stuck in the pancreatic duct, it can cause abdominal pain and inflammation. The known symptoms of pancreatitis include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and rapid pulse.

Jaundice

Although, jaundice is a known symptom of liver diseases, it can be an indication of a gallbladder issue in adults. Like the previous condition, jaundice also occurs due to the obstruction of duct. This blockage leads to collection of the bile in the organ to produce increased concentration of bilirubin. The symptoms of jaundice include yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes along with pale coloured stools and dark coloured urine.

Pale stools & Dark urine

As discussed previously, the yellow substance produced during the digestive process known as bilirubin is what makes your stool pale and the urine yellow. Unless you have an urinary infection, these signs can be a indication of an obstructed bile duct.

So, never take these above listed symptoms lightly. A very small act or reluctance can cause you a life. Remember, your life is precious!