Page 16 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 3_2023

Health & Wellness

KNOW THE

SIGNS OF

OBSTRUCTIVE

JAUNDICE

A blocked and infected biliary

tree is a medical emergency

ost of the time, we are metabolites, which are necessary for the Symptoms of obstructive jaundice
unaware of our body’s biliary digestion of food. It is produced in the include yellowing of the sclera (the
system and the integral liver in response to the fat content of white part of the eye) and of the skin,
Mrole it plays in digestion the meal. Bile also helps rid the body of as well as itching, bruising easily,
and maintaining our overall health. A toxins and the waste products from the passing pale stools and dark urine.
blockage of the biliary tree – a branched metabolic process,” Dr Ally explains.
system of ducts that conveys bile from GALLSTONES
the liver to the gastrointestinal system – “In its journey from the liver through A gallstone is formed from the cholesterol
can quickly progress to a life threatening the biliary tree to the small intestine, in bile. Over time, excess cholesterol
emergency. bile passes through the head of the solidifies into small crystals which bind
pancreas, which surrounds the bile together to form the gallstone.
Dr Zain Ally, a hepatobiliary surgeon, who duct. Excess bile is forced back through
practises at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital, the system of ducts and stored in the “There are many different symptoms
gives us some advice on what everyone gallbladder, until the next meal when it associated with gallstones, the most
should know about obstructive jaundice, is needed in the gastrointestinal system. common being a colicky pain – a sharp
the underlying conditions that may cause A blockage in the biliary system prevents localised pain in the abdomen that may
this, the potential complications, and the the flow of bile and, if it is not resolved, come in spasms soon after a meal, as
treatments available. leads to obstructive jaundice. Such muscular contractions work to clear the
blockages are most commonly caused by temporary blockage of the gallbladder
“Bile contains cholesterol and gallstones or cancer,” he says. outflow duct.

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