Jaundice: The Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

| Awareness

Jaundice: The Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

 

Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera, caused by excessive bilirubin in the blood.

 

What is Jaundice?


Jaundice is a condition that results in the yellowing of the skin and eyes. It is caused by an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down. Bilirubin is normally excreted by the liver, but if the liver is not functioning properly, it can build up in the blood and cause jaundice.

There are many different causes of jaundice, including liver disease, cancer, hemolytic anemia, and certain medications. The symptoms of jaundice include yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, light stools, fatigue, and itching. If left untreated, jaundice can lead to serious complications such as brain damage or death.

Treatment for jaundice depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is liver disease, treatment may involve medications to help the liver function better or a transplant. If the cause is cancer, treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. If the cause is hemolytic anemia, treatment may involve transfusions of red blood cells or steroids.

 

Causes of Jaundice


Jaundice can have many causes, but the most common cause is a build-up of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down. If the liver isn't working properly, it can't remove bilirubin from the blood, causing a build-up. This can happen for a number of reasons, including:

 

-Hepatitis:


Inflammation of the liver due to a viral infection (hepatitis A, B or C), excessive alcohol consumption, or other causes.

 

-Cirrhosis:


Scarring of the liver due to chronic disease, such as hepatitis C or fatty liver disease.

 

-Blockage of the bile ducts:


This can be due to gallstones, cancerous tumors, or inflammation from diseases such as primary sclerosing cholangitis or pancreatitis.

Other less common causes of jaundice include hereditary conditions (such as Gilbert's syndrome or Crigler-Najjar syndrome), certain medications (such as acetaminophen) and certain types of anemia (such as hemolytic anemia).

 

Symptoms of Jaundice


Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. It's caused by an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment, in the blood. Bilirubin is formed when old red blood cells are broken down and removed from the body. Usually, bilirubin is processed in the liver and excreted in stool. But if the liver isn't functioning properly, bilirubin can build up in the blood, causing jaundice.

Symptoms of jaundice include:

 

  • Yellowing of the skin

  • Yellowing of the whites of the eyes

  • Dark urine

  • Pale stools

  • Itchiness

  • Fatigue


 

If you think you may have jaundice, see your doctor as soon as possible. Jaundice can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, such as liver disease.

 

Treatments of Jaundice


Jaundice is a medical condition that results in the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. It is caused by an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is produced by the liver. Jaundice can be either acute or chronic.

Acute jaundice usually lasts for less than 2 weeks and is often caused by a viral infection or liver damage. Chronic jaundice lasts for more than 2 weeks and is often caused by liver diseases such as cirrhosis or hepatitis.

There are several treatments available for jaundice, depending on its cause. If the cause is a viral infection, the doctor may prescribe antiviral medications. If the cause is Liver damage, the doctor may recommend surgery to remove the damaged part of the Liver. In some cases, a transplant may be necessary. If the cause is cirrhosis or hepatitis, the doctor may prescribe medications to help control these conditions.

 

How to Prevent Jaundice


Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by an excess of bilirubin in the body. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down. Jaundice can be caused by a number of different things, including liver disease, certain medications, and viral infections.

There are a few things you can do to help prevent jaundice:

-Avoid alcohol and drugs

-Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B

-Eat a healthy diet

-Exercise regularly

-Get regular medical checkups

Also, you can book an appointment with a medical specialist anytime.