What Is Jaundice?
Jaundice is a condition in which the skin, sclera (whites of the eyes) and mucous membranes turn yellow. This yellow color is caused by a high level of bilirubin, a yellow-orange bile pigment. Bile is fluid secreted by the liver. Bilirubin is formed from the breakdown of red blood cells.
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. Jaundice has many causes, including hepatitis, gallstones and tumors. In adults, jaundice usually doesn’t need to be treated.
What Causes Jaundice?
Jaundice can be caused by a problem in any of the three phases in bilirubin production. Before the production of bilirubin, you may have what’s called unconjugated jaundice due to increased levels of bilirubin caused by:
- Reabsorption of a large hematoma (a collection of clotted or partially clotted blood under the skin).
- Hemolytic anemias (blood cells are destroyed and removed from the bloodstream before their normal lifespan is over).
- Viruses, including Hepatitis A, chronic Hepatitis B and C, and Epstein-Barr virus infection (infectious mononucleosis).
- Alcohol.
- Autoimmune disorders.
- Rare genetic metabolic defects.
What Are The Symptoms Of The Jaundice?
Sometimes, the person may not have symptoms of jaundice, and the condition may be found accidentally. The severity of symptoms depends on the underlying causes and how quickly or slowly the disease develops.
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Abdominal pain.
- Flu-like symptoms.
- Change in skin color.
- Dark-colored urine and/or clay-colored stool.
How Is Jaundice Diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose jaundice by checking for signs of liver disease such as:
- Bruising of the skin.
- Spider angiomas (abnormal collection of blood vessels near the surface of the skin).
- Palmar erythema (red coloration of the palms and fingertips).
Urinalysis (urine testing) that’s positive for bilirubin shows that the patient has conjugated jaundice. The findings of urinalysis should be confirmed by serum testing. The serum testing will include a complete blood count (CBC) and bilirubin levels.
Your doctor will also do an exam to determine the size and tenderness of your liver. He or she may use imaging (ultrasonography and computer tomographic (CT) scanning) and liver biopsy (taking a sample of the liver) to further confirm diagnosis.
How Is Jaundice Treated?
Jaundice usually doesn’t require treatment in adults (it’s a more severe problem in infants). The causes and complications of jaundice can be treated. For instance, if itching is bothersome, it may be eased by cholestyramine.
What Are Some Of The Complications/Side Effects Of The Treatments Of Jaundice?
- Constipation.
- Bloating.
- Stomach pain.
- Gas.
- Upset stomach.
- Vomiting.
Can Jaundice Be Prevented?
Since there are many causes of jaundice, it’s hard to provide specific prevention measures. Some general tips include:
- Avoid hepatitis infection.
- Stay within recommended alcohol limits.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage your cholesterol.
Book Your Appointment Today
Book your appointment with Dr. Ujwal Zambare he is having 10 years of experience in Gastro-intestinal surgery, oncology, minimally invasive surgery and Liver, Pancreas, Biliary tract surgery.
Dr. Ujwal Zambare
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DNB (Gastrointestinal Surgery)
Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery
ujwalz53@gmail.com +91 9815994279
204, 3rd Floor, Seraph Centre, Opp. Axis Bank, Near Panchami Hotel, Off Pune – Satara Road, Pune – 411043.
Copyright © 2021. Dr. Ujwal Zambare – Gastrointestinal, Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary and Liver Transplant Surgeon in Pune. | All Rights Reserved.