Patient's question:
The baby in my brother's family is quite young and has been breastfed exclusively. Lately, he hasn't been willing to eat much milk. The doctor said the baby has a condition called biliary atresia. So, I want to ask if biliary atresia in infants affects their ability to breastfeed?Doctor's answer:
Babies with biliary atresia are born with jaundiced skin. If this condition is present, it is crucial to seek medical attention at a reputable hospital for examination. Biliary atresia is a congenital defect in the development of the bile ducts, where the internal or external bile ducts are partially or completely blocked. This condition leads to impaired bile drainage, resulting in severe obstructive jaundice, which can affect a baby's growth and development and even be life-threatening. Obstructive jaundice caused by biliary atresia can damage liver cells. If the bile duct obstruction is not promptly resolved, it may progress to biliary cirrhosis, with irreversible changes in the later stages.