What is Jaundice?

Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes caused by an excess of bilirubin, a yellow compound found in bile. It occurs when there is an abnormally high production, reduced excretion, or impeded transport of bilirubin in the body. Although jaundice is most common in newborns, it can affect anyone, from infants to older adults.

What Causes Jaundice?
Jaundice occurs due to an underlying medical condition or simply because the body produces too much bilirubin. The liver is responsible for breaking down, filtering, and excreting bilirubin from the bloodstream. When the liver is unable to do this properly, excess bilirubin builds up in the blood and is circulated through the body, resulting in jaundice.

Common Causes of Jaundice
Common causes of jaundice include:

1. Hemolytic anemia. This is a type of anemia caused by the rapid breakdown of red blood cells, resulting in an excessive level of bilirubin in the bloodstream.

2. Infection. Viral, bacterial, and even fungal infections can lead to jaundice. It is typically seen in severe cases of hepatitis.

3. Liver disease. Liver disorders, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, and Wilson disease, can cause jaundice because of the associated breakdown or buildup of bilirubin.

4. Gallstones. Obstructive jaundice is caused by the obstruction of the bile duct by gallstones, resulting in the accumulation of bilirubin.

5. Cancer. It can cause obstruction of the bile ducts, resulting in jaundice.

6. Drugs and toxins. Certain medications and toxins, such as alcohol, can cause jaundice by overwhelming the liver’s ability to process and excrete bilirubin.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Jaundice

Diagnosis
If you have jaundice, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam, run lab tests, and may also order imaging tests. Based on the results, your doctor will diagnose the underlying cause of the jaundice.

Treatment
The treatment for jaundice depends on the underlying cause. Mild cases may resolve on their own, while more severe cases may require medication and/or lifestyle changes. If necessary, you may also need to undergo surgery to remove the obstruction causing the jaundice. If a serious infection or liver damage is involved, your doctor may prescribe medications to clear up the infection or help repair the liver.

Regardless of the type of treatment, it is important to get regular follow-up care to ensure the jaundice is not getting worse. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent more serious complications.

Conclusion

Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes caused by an excess of bilirubin in the body. It can occur due to an underlying medical condition or simply because the body produces too much bilirubin. Common causes of jaundice include hemolytic anemia, infection, liver disease, gallstones, cancer, drugs and toxins. Diagnosis involves physical exam, lab tests, and imaging tests. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, but may include medication or lifestyle changes, or even surgery, depending on the severity of the jaundice. Early and prompt treatment is essential in order to prevent serious complications.