Jaundice is a condition that results in the yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes. This yellow hue is caused by an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that forms when red blood cells break down. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin, which is then excreted from the body through stool. However, when this process is disrupted, bilirubin builds up in the blood, leading to jaundice. Jaundice is not a disease on its own but rather a symptom of underlying health issues, particularly those affecting the liver, gallbladder, or red blood cells.
The most common cause of jaundice is liver disease. The liver plays a crucial role in filtering and breaking down waste products, including bilirubin. When the liver is damaged, it cannot process bilirubin effectively. Conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease are known to cause jaundice. Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, can result from viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption, or exposure to toxic substances. When the liver’s function is compromised by such conditions, bilirubin accumulates in the blood, leading to the yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Another major cause of jaundice is the blockage of bile ducts. The bile ducts are responsible for transporting bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine, where it aids in digestion. When these ducts are blocked due to gallstones, tumors, or inflammation, bilirubin cannot be properly excreted. As a result, it builds up in the bloodstream, causing jaundice. In some cases, pancreatic cancer can also obstruct the bile ducts, leading to jaundice as an early sign of the disease.
Hemolytic anemia is another condition that can cause jaundice. This type of anemia occurs when red blood cells break down faster than the body can replace them. The rapid breakdown of red blood cells increases the production of bilirubin, which the liver may not be able to handle, especially if it is already compromised by another condition. Hemolytic anemia can result from inherited disorders like sickle cell anemia, certain infections, or autoimmune diseases. In newborns, jaundice is a common occurrence due to their immature liver function, which may struggle to process the increased levels of bilirubin right after birth. This type of jaundice usually resolves on its own as the baby’s liver develops and becomes more efficient at handling bilirubin.
The symptoms of jaundice are typically easy to notice. Apart from the yellowing of the skin and eyes, individuals with jaundice may also experience dark-colored urine, pale stools, and itchy skin. Dark urine is a sign that there is an excess of bilirubin being excreted through the kidneys. Pale stools indicate that not enough bilirubin is reaching the intestines, which is usually due to bile duct obstruction. Itching occurs because bilirubin can deposit in the skin when its levels are high in the bloodstream, causing irritation.
Diagnosing jaundice involves several tests to determine its cause. A physical examination is usually the first step, where a healthcare provider looks for signs of liver disease, such as a swollen abdomen or liver tenderness. Blood tests are critical in diagnosing jaundice, as they can measure the levels of bilirubin and help identify whether the issue lies with red blood cell breakdown, liver function, or bile duct blockage. Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs may be used to look for blockages or abnormalities in the liver and bile ducts. In some cases, a liver biopsy may be performed to examine the liver tissue directly and check for inflammation, damage, or cancer.
Treatment for jaundice depends on its underlying cause. If a liver infection like hepatitis is the cause, the focus will be on treating the infection, often with antiviral or antibacterial medications. In cases of alcohol-related liver disease, patients are advised to stop drinking alcohol to prevent further liver damage. For jaundice caused by bile duct obstructions, surgery or procedures to remove the blockage, such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), may be necessary. If gallstones are the culprit, they may need to be surgically removed. For newborns with jaundice, phototherapy is a common treatment. This therapy uses special lights to help break down bilirubin in the skin so it can be excreted more easily by the baby’s body.
