Jaundice is a common condition that affects people of all ages, from newborns to adults. It occurs when there’s a buildup of a yellow pigment called bilirubin in the blood. This causes the skin, eyes, and other tissues to turn yellow. While it isn’t a disease, it’s a sign of underlying medical issues, especially involving the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. This post will break down the causes, symptoms, and treatment of it in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

What Is Jaundice?

It occurs when your body has too much bilirubin, a yellowish substance produced when red blood cells break down. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin, which then passes through the digestive system and exits the body through urine and stool. When this process is disrupted, bilirubin builds up, causing jaundice.

Types of Jaundice

There are three main types of jaundice based on where the problem occurs:

1. Pre-Hepatic J.: Occurs when there’s excessive breakdown of red blood cells, causing an overload of bilirubin that the liver cannot process efficiently.
2. Hepatic J.: Results from liver disease or damage, which affects the liver’s ability to filter out bilirubin.
3. Post-Hepatic J.: Occurs when bile ducts are blocked, preventing bilirubin from being excreted properly.

Common Causes

Several factors can lead to jaundice. Some of the most common causes include:

• Liver diseases:
• Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver due to viral infections or alcohol abuse.
• Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver tissue, often from long-term alcohol use or hepatitis.
• Liver cancer: Cancerous growths that disrupt liver function.
• Blockage of bile ducts:
• Gallstones: Hardened deposits in the gallbladder that block the flow of bile.
• Tumors: Growths in the liver or pancreas that block bile ducts.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas that affects the bile ducts.
• Blood disorders:
• Hemolytic anemia: A condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced, leading to high bilirubin levels.
• Sickle cell anemia: A genetic condition that affects the shape of red blood cells, leading to increased destruction.
• Newborn jaundice:
• Physiological J.: A common type of jaundice seen in newborns due to immature liver function.
• Breastfeeding J.: Caused by inadequate breastfeeding, leading to dehydration and less bilirubin elimination.

Symptoms:

The most noticeable symptom of jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and eyes. However, other symptoms may accompany this yellow discoloration, depending on the underlying cause.

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes: This is the most noticeable symptom.
• Dark urine: Bilirubin in the urine can cause it to become dark brown or tea-colored.
• Pale stool: Lack of bilirubin in the stool can make it light-colored.
• Fatigue: People with jaundice often feel tired or weak.
• Abdominal pain: Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, especially if the cause is liver-related.
• Itchy skin: The buildup of bile salts can cause itching.
• Nausea and vomiting: If liver disease is the cause, digestive problems may occur.
• Weight loss: This can be a sign of chronic liver disease or cancer.

Jaundice in Newborns

Newborns are especially prone to jaundice, with up to 60% of babies developing it within a few days after birth. This happens because their livers are still maturing and may not be able to process bilirubin as efficiently as adults. There are two types of jaundice in newborns:

1. Physiological J.: This is the most common type, appearing around the second or third day of life and usually resolving within two weeks.
2. Pathological J.: This type occurs due to underlying health issues, such as blood group incompatibility or an infection. It requires immediate medical attention.

Parents should be aware of symptoms such as extreme yellowing, lethargy, poor feeding, or a high-pitched cry, and consult a doctor if these occur.

Diagnosing

To diagnose jaundice, doctors will first review your medical history and perform a physical examination. Several tests may also be conducted to determine the cause and severity of the condition:

• Blood tests: Measure bilirubin levels and assess liver function.
• Liver function tests: Determine how well the liver is processing bilirubin and other substances.
• Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI to check for blockages or tumors in the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts.
• Liver biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of liver tissue is taken to examine for signs of disease.

Treatment

Treatment of jaundice depends on the underlying cause. Addressing the root cause is essential for treating effectively. Here are some treatment options:

• For liver diseases:
• Medication: In cases of hepatitis, antiviral or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to treat the infection or inflammation.
• Lifestyle changes: People with liver damage due to alcohol abuse will need to stop drinking and adopt a liver-friendly diet.
• Liver transplant: In severe cases of liver failure or cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be necessary.
• For bile duct blockages:
• Surgery: If gallstones or tumors are blocking the bile ducts, surgery may be needed to remove the blockage.
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A procedure that can help remove stones or insert stents to keep the bile ducts open.
• For blood disorders:
• Blood transfusions: In severe cases of hemolytic anemia, blood transfusions may be needed to replace damaged red blood cells.
• Iron supplements: For conditions like sickle cell anemia, iron or other supplements may be prescribed.
• For newborn jaundice:
• Phototherapy: A special light helps break down bilirubin in the baby’s skin.
• Exchange transfusion: In severe cases, some of the baby’s blood is replaced with fresh blood to lower bilirubin levels.

Home Care

While treatment for jaundice depends on its cause, there are also some general tips for managing mild jaundice at home:

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help flush out bilirubin through urine.
• Healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can support liver health.
• Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can worsen liver conditions and should be avoided.
• Monitor symptoms: Keep track of any changes in skin color, urine, or stool, and report them to your doctor.

Complications

If left untreated, jaundice can lead to serious complications, especially if the underlying cause is not addressed. Potential complications include:

• Liver damage: Prolonged jaundice due to liver disease can result in permanent liver damage or liver failure.
• Brain damage: In newborns, extremely high levels of bilirubin can lead to a rare but serious condition called kernicterus, which causes brain damage.
• Chronic conditions: If the cause of jaundice is not resolved, it can lead to long-term health problems, including chronic liver disease or cancer.

Preventing Jaundice

While some causes of jaundice are unavoidable, such as genetic conditions or newborn jaundice, there are steps you can take to lower your risk:

• Maintain a healthy liver:
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• Eat a healthy balanced diet rich in fruits, minerals, fresh vegetables, and lean proteins.
• Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.
• Get vaccinated: Vaccines are available according to varieties of hepatitis A and B, which can help prevent liver infections.
• Practice safe sex: To reduce the risk of contracting hepatitis B or C, use protection during sexual activity.
• Avoid sharing needles: Hepatitis can also be transmitted through blood, so avoid sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor if you or your child experience any of the following:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Dark urine or pale stools.
• Severe fatigue, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss.
• Persistent itching.

For newborns, seek medical help if jaundice develops within the first 24 hours after birth or if the baby becomes lethargic, has trouble feeding, or has a high-pitched cry.

Conclusion

Jaundice is a symptom of an underlying health issue, typically involving the liver or blood. While it’s usually treatable, it’s important to address the root cause. With proper diagnosis and treatment, it can be managed effectively. If you or a loved one develops symptoms of jaundice, consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

By staying aware of your liver health, getting regular checkups, and living a healthy lifestyle, you can help prevent it and maintain overall well-being.