Biliary atresia is a rare condition that affects newborns and young infants. One of the most noticeable signs of this condition is a change in stool, which may appear as early as the first few weeks of life.
It occurs when the tubes (ducts) that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder do not develop as expected or become blocked. This causes bile to build up in the liver.
Bile is a fluid that helps the body digest fats in food. When it breaks down in the small intestine, it changes the color of stool from yellow-green to brown.
But with biliary atresia, bile cannot reach the intestines, leading to pale yellow, gray, or white stool.
Unlike temporary color changes from diet or minor illness, these light-colored stools persist and often signal that something more serious is happening in the liver.
Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in outcomes. Treatment for biliary atresia usually involves surgery to restore some bile flow and slow liver damage. If liver damage progresses, a transplant may be necessary.
Seek immediate medical attentionIf your infant has pale stool or other unusual symptoms, don’t wait to bring it up with a doctor.
Many newborns experience temporary yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice). But if these symptoms persist beyond the first three weeks of like, it could be a sign of biliary atresia.
Biliary atresia may also cause dark yellow urine and abdominal swelling. These symptoms are considered a medical emergency and require immediate care.