Learn more about bile ducts and how to tell whether you could be dealing with bile duct disease.

Whenever you eat, your liver releases a substance known as bile that helps break down fat. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released through bile ducts into the small intestines. Along with digestion, bile can also help flush out toxins in the liver. If you are dealing with bile duct problems, it’s important that you turn to our New Lenox, Oak Lawn, Joliet, Frankfort, Orland Park, IL, gastroenterologist Dr. Kamran Ayub for immediate care.

What types of problems can impact the bile ducts?

Certain diseases can lead to obstructions or blockages of the bile duct. Anything that impacts the flow of bile can lead to serious complications, so it’s important to detect and treat these issues early. Common causes of blocked bile ducts include,

• Gallstones
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Autoimmune diseases
• Certain birth defects
• Cancer

What are some warning signs?

One of the classic signs of bile duct issues is jaundice or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Jaundice tells our New Lenox, Oak Lawn, Joliet, Frankfort, Orland Park, IL, gastroenterologist that waste is building up in the blood due to liver issues or a problem with the bile ducts. Other warning signs of bile duct issues include,

• Dark urine
• Fatigue
• Night sweats
• Unexplained or sudden weight loss
• Abdominal pain (often on the right side)
• Pale stools
• Loss of appetite
• Itching of the skin that may be worse at night

If you are experiencing jaundice, fever or abdominal pain, or any of the symptoms above, it’s best to play it safe and turn to our New Lenox, Oak Lawn, Joliet, Frankfort, Orland Park, IL, gastroenterologist for answers.

How are bile duct problems diagnosed?

After going through your medical history and asking you questions about your symptoms, we may perform a blood test to check bilirubin levels. If we believe that you could be dealing with a bile duct obstruction or problem, imaging tests are often performed to get a better look at the bile ducts. Common imaging tests include ultrasound, CTA scan and MRIs.

How are bile duct problems treated?

We need to determine what’s causing your symptoms before we can treat them. Once we have a diagnosis then we can map out a treatment plan. Here at our practice, Dr. Ayub and his team provide a wide range of procedures to treat digestive issues of all magnitudes. Some of the procedures we perform include,

• Biopsy: to check for cancerous cells
• Resection of the bile duct: to help the bile drain properly
• Choledochectomy: a minimally invasive procedure to detect and remove stones
• Placing a T-tube or stenting: to treat narrowing or strictures of the bile ducts

If you are dealing with bile duct or digestive issues, your best bet is to turn to our New Lenox, Oak Lawn, Joliet, Frankfort, Orland Park, IL, gastroenterologist who specializes in treating diseases, disorders, infections and injuries that impact the gastrointestinal tract. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ayub, call us at (708) 475-5233.