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Jaundice

Overview

Jaundice is a condition characterised by the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (sclera), due to an excess of bilirubin in the bloodstream. This condition may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as loss of appetite, dark-coloured urine, pale or clay-coloured stool, itching (pruritus), fatigue, and abdominal pain or discomfort (especially in obstructive jaundice).

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells.

Medical jaundice

  • Non-liver causes
    • Haemolytic anaemia: A blood disorder that occurs when your red blood cells break down faster than the body can produce new blood cells.
    • Sickle cell disease: An inherited disorder affecting haemoglobin in your red blood cells causing them to become sickle-shaped, and impairing oxygen transport to vital organs.
    • Blood transfusion reactions: Reactions that can occur due to incompatibility of blood types.
  • Liver causes
    • Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver cells), which is usually caused by viral infections, such as Hepatitis A, B, C, or E viruses; alcohol consumption; or autoimmune disorders.
    • Cirrhosis: Permanent scarring of the liver that interferes with its functioning.
    • Liver tumours: Abnormal growths that can affect liver function.
    • Fatty liver disease: Accumulation of fat in liver cells that can lead to inflammation.
  • Surgical jaundice or obstructive jaundice
    • Gallstones: Blocking of the bile duct due to the gallstones
    • Pancreatic or bile duct tumours: Tumours of the pancreas or the bile duct can cause blockage of the bile duct
    • Narrowing in bile duct: Bile duct narrowing can occur due to a benign conditions, such as autoimmune conditions, tuberculosis, sclerosing cholangitis, or post certain surgeries.

  • Yellowing of the eyes and skin
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dark coloured urine
  • Pale or clay-coloured stools
  • Itching (pruritus)
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort (in obstructive jaundice)

  • Physical examination
    Assessment of skin and eyes for jaundice.
  • Blood tests
    • Liver function tests: These blood tests measure various substances produced by the liver, including proteins, enzymes, and bilirubin. Abnormal levels of substances, such as alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, etc. can indicate different diseases.
    • Complete blood count (CBC): Checks for haemolysis or breakdown of blood components.
    • Viral markers tests for the presence of viruses affecting liver function.
  • Imaging studies
    Ultrasonography, CT scan, or MRI: Techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans and advanced MRI technology, can be employed to assess the liver and biliary/pancreatic system.
  • Liver biopsy
    In some cases, liver biopsy procedure may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of liver diseases.

Treatment for jaundice focuses on addressing the underlying cause:

  • For haemolytic causes: Treatment may involve medications and management of the condition causing haemolysis.
  • For liver causes: Treatment may involve caring for liver diseases, such as antiviral medications for viral hepatitis, lifestyle changes for fatty liver disease (diet, exercise, alcohol cessation etc.), and comprehensive chronic liver disease management.
  • -For obstructive causes: Treatment may involve performing gastrointestinal surgery for removal of gallstone by lithotripsy or surgical removal of tumours, which are causing bile duct blockage.

  • Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol or taking any unknown herbal medicines, which may contain liver-damaging ingredients

In general, if someone is experiencing symptoms of jaundice, it is important to consult a healthcare professional promptly instead of relying on home remedies because the cause of jaundice needs to be accurately ascertained and treated.

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