Cholestatic jaundice, also called obstructive jaundice, is a complication of cholestasis, a medical condition in which bile is unable to flow through the liver normally. People who have certain medical conditions, such as hepatitis or liver cancer, can be at an increased risk of developing cholestatic jaundice symptoms. Affected people should discuss cholestatic jaundice symptoms with a physician to ensure receipt of appropriate care.
Yellow Skin or Eyes
The characteristic symptoms associated with cholestatic jaundice are a yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes. When the flow of bile is abnormally interrupted due to cholestasis, bilirubin--a yellow-colored waste product-- accumulates within the body. Skin and eye discoloration symptoms of cholestatic jaundice are temporary and resolve once the normal flow of bilirubin through the body is restored.
Dark Urine
People can notice that their urine appear unusually dark or discolored as a symptom of cholestatic jaundice. High levels of bilirubin within the body are removed by the kidneys and excreted as urine. When this occurs, the urine contains excess amounts of this yellow-colored substance and appears darker than usual.
Pale, Fatty or Foul-smelling Stools
Cholestasis interferes with the normal flow of bile and bilirubin into the intestinal tract, according to medical experts with the Merck Manual. Absence of bilirubin from the intestine causes people with cholestatic jaundice to produce abnormally pale or light-colored stools. Inadequate bile levels in the intestine can interfere with fat digestion from a person's diet, leading to the production of fatty, foul-smelling stools. These cholestatic jaundice symptoms can also contribute to nausea, vomiting or abdominal discomfort in affected people.
Itchy Skin
When bile and bilirubin accumulate within the body, these toxic substances can irritate a person's skin. As a result, people with cholestatic jaundice can experience intense itching of the skin, explains MedlinePlus. This symptom of cholestatic jaundice can lead to frequent scratching, which can increase a person's risk of developing a skin infection.
