Bile, which plays a crucial role in digestion, is produced in the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and transported via ducts, which carry the substance from the liver to the gallbladder to, finally, the small intestine. Just like all other areas of the body, bile ducts can be damaged by diseases and medical conditions, and these health issues can lead to leaks, obstructions, and other ill-effects.
Diagnosing bile duct issues can be challenging, but the right information can help patients get the medical care they need.
Diseases and health conditions that impact the bile duct include:
Some bile duct problems cause symptoms to occur suddenly, such as when a gallstone obstructs a bile duct. With chronic maladies, symptoms may take longer to develop and not happen with the severity associated with acute conditions. As a result, it is easy for people to overlook symptoms until they become more advanced. At this point, a person may experience permanent damage, which may have been avoided with early medical treatment.
While the effects vary according to the type of medical problem you’re experiencing, symptoms of bile duct disorders often include:
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, your doctor can perform a blood test that can indicate problems with liver function. From there, you can explore potential treatment options, such as medication and surgery.