Jaundice

What Is Jaundice?

Jaundice is a condition where your skin, the whites of your eyes, and sometimes other tissues turn yellow. This happens when a yellow pigment called bilirubin builds up in your blood and body tissues. Bilirubin is made when old red blood cells break down. Normally the liver removes it, but if the liver isn't working well or bile flow is blocked, bilirubin builds up.

Common Signs & Symptoms

You might see or feel:

• Yellow skin and white of the eyes (the most obvious sign)
• Dark yellow or tea-colored urine
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Itching
• Tiredness or weakness
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Sometimes abdominal pain or fever

These can vary depending on the cause. If you see yellowing or worsening symptoms, seek medical help.

What Causes Jaundice?

There are three main reasons bilirubin can build up:

1. Pre-hepatic (Before the Liver)

Too much bilirubin is made - for example, when red blood cells break down too quickly due to other underlying disease.

2. Hepatic (Inside the Liver)

The liver itself is sick and can't handle bilirubin properly due to:

• Viral hepatitis
• Alcohol-related liver disease
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Other liver disorders

3. Post-hepatic (After the Liver)

The liver processes and converts the bilirubin properly, but there's an obstruction in the outflow due to:

• Gallstones
• Bile duct obstruction
• Tumors

This can be serious and needs urgent attention.

How Is Jaundice Diagnosed?

Your health care provider may recommend:

Simple Blood Tests like complete blood count (CBC) and liver function test (LFT) to determine whether the problem is with the liver or elsewhere.

Imaging Tests Ultrasound or other scans help look at the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts to see if there's a blockage or structural problem.

Other Tests More specific tests may be done depending on the suspected cause.

How Is Jaundice Treated?

The best treatment depends on what's causing it, but general approaches include:

Treat the Underlying Cause

• Infections (like hepatitis): medications
• Liver disease: supportive care and lifestyle changes
• Blocked bile ducts: procedures or surgery to remove the blockage
• Blood disorders: specific treatments tailored to the condition

Symptom Support

• Rest and hydration
• Avoid alcohol and liver-harmful substances
• Follow your doctor's advice

Important Tips for Patients

Prompt medical evaluation is important - jaundice can be a sign of a serious problem, especially if it comes with pain or fever.

Follow your treatment plan and attend follow-up appointments.

Healthy habits like good nutrition, avoiding excessive alcohol, exercises, and managing weight help support liver health.

Vaccination against hepatitis and safe practices can prevent some causes of jaundice.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Go to a doctor right away, if you notice:

• Yellowing that appears quickly
• Severe abdominal pain
• High fever and chills
• Confusion or extreme tiredness

These might indicate a more serious cause like bile duct obstruction or severe liver injury.

If you ever have any concerns about your liver health, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. They are there to help you stay safe and healthy!

Disclaimer: Some portions of this content may be derived from publicly available sources on the internet.