What are the usual symptoms of bile duct blockage?

The usual symptoms of a bile duct blockage are jaundice, itchy skin, pale stools and dark urine. Other typical symptoms include nausea, vomiting and upper abdominal pain, according to Healthline.

Bile duct blockages arise due to gallstones, tumors, bile duct inflammation, cirrhosis and narrowing of the bile ducts due to strictures. Hepatitis, trauma to the liver or gallbladder and parasites can also cause bile duct blockages, as stated by Healthline.

When caught early, a bile duct blockage is successfully treated by removing the blockage or the gallbladder during a cholecystectomy. However, if left untreated, the blockage could cause severe liver damage, as reported by Healthline.