Symptoms of bile duct disorders may appear suddenly, such as when a bile duct becomes blocked with a gallstone. They may also develop slowly over time.

Some symptoms are the result of accumulation of bile in organs due to interruption of the flow of bile through the bile ducts. Other symptoms are the result of the bile duct’s failure to deliver bile salts to the intestines, which prevents absorption of fats and vitamins.

Children who are born with bile duct disorders often experience symptoms soon after birth and do not grow properly as a result of the disorder.

Although symptoms may differ among bile duct disorders, symptoms common to many of the disorders include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
• Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side of the abdomen under the rib cage
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite, which may result in weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever or chills
• Itching
• Light brown urine
• Greasy or clay-colored stools