Understanding Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition in which the skin, whites of the eyes and mucous membranes turn yellow because of a high level of bilirubin, a yellow-orange bile pigment.
Key Fact: Jaundice itself isn't a disease but a symptom of several possible underlying illnesses, often related to the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas.
Common Symptoms
Yellow Skin and Eyes
A distinct yellowish tint to the skin and the whites of the eyes (sclera).
Pale Stools
Light-colored or clay-colored bowel movements due to lack of bile.
Itchy Skin
Significant itching (pruritus) caused by bile salt accumulation.
Dark Urine
Very dark, tea-colored urine resulting from bilirubin being excreted by kidneys.
Risk Factors
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Hepatitis infections
- Gallstones
- Certain medications that affect the liver
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis
Diagnosis focuses on identifying the root cause of the bilirubin buildup through blood and imaging tests.
Common Treatments
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Treating Underlying Cause: Managing the specific liver or gallbladder issue that is causing the jaundice.
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Phototherapy: Commonly used for newborn jaundice to help the body break down bilirubin.
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Surgery: Procedures to remove gallstones or tumors that may be blocking the bile ducts.