What are the symptoms of biliary atresia?

What are the symptoms of biliary atresia?

The first sign of biliary atresia is jaundice (skin and eyes appear yellow), a condition in which there is too much bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a substance produced when red blood cells break down. Although most newborns have some degree of jaundice in the first week of life, if it is still present after two weeks, it should be checked out by a doctor.

Other signs and symptoms of biliary atresia include:

• Light beige stools (Normal stool color for infants is yellow, green or brown.)
• Dark brown urine
• A swollen belly (as the liver and spleen grow)
• Difficulty gaining weight
• Ascites (fluid in the belly)
• Liver failure after several months if the biliary atresia is not treated