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Neurology 
Jaundice is the term used to describe the yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae (the whites of the eyes), which indicates that a yellow pigment, bilirubin, produced in the normal breakdown of red blood cells, is accumulating in the blood at an abnormal level. The yellow coloring of the skin often serves as an important warning that something is wrong, especially with the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas, or possibly with blood disorders.
What Causes Jaundice?
Jaundice occurs from alterations in bilirubin production, processing, or elimination. These alterations fall into three broad categories:
- Pre-hepatic causes: It involves increased breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis) resulting in increased bilirubin production beyond the capability of the liver to process. Conditions such as hemolytic anemia or genetic disorders fall into this category.
- Hepatic causes: It involves damage or dysfunction of liver cells which interferes with bilirubin metabolism (hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, or some infections or medications) the hepatocyte level of damage may be distinct in each of these examples.
- Post-hepatic causes: It occurs due to an obstruction of bile flow after bilirubin has been processed, commonly due to gallstones, tumors (pancreatic cancer or bile duct cancer, for example), or strictures obstructing the bile ducts.
Common Symptoms Linked to Jaundice
Jaundice has the characteristic yellowing accounted for by the build-up of bilirubin, but the condition can also present with other symptoms depending on the underlying cause.
- You may have dark urine and pale stools due to disrupted bile flow.
- You may have pruritus (itchy skin) due to the accumulation of bile salts.
- You may experience fatigue, abdominal pain, and weight loss if you have liver or pancreatic disease.
- If jaundice is due to an infection, you may also have fever or flu-like symptoms.
Diagnosing Jaundice
When managing jaundice, it is vital to establish the cause of the condition. Doctors will take a detailed history and perform a thorough physical examination, paying special attention to liver size, tenderness, and the degree of yellowing.
The initial key investigations include:
- Blood tests, including liver function tests (LFTs), total bilirubin level (both conjugated and unconjugated), complete blood count (CBC), and viral panels for hepatitis.
- Imaging tests, such as ultrasonography, CT, and MRI of the abdomen to assess the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts for obstruction or mass.
- In some instances, liver biopsy and/or specialized imaging techniques such as ERCP/MRCP will help to confirm diagnosis or severity of the condition.
Treatment and Management
The treatment of jaundice targets the original problem that is producing the bilirubin imbalance:
- For infections such as hepatitis, use antiviral therapy, supportive therapy, or both.
- Surgical or endoscopic therapy is required for bile duct obstruction due to gallstones or tumors.
- Liver disease treatments may include lifestyle changes, medications, or advanced therapies that would even include transplantation in severe cases.
- Newborns with jaundice will often respond to phototherapy or feeding support, but if the jaundice is severe, medication treatment may be needed.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Be seen by a healthcare provider if the jaundice is sudden or there are other manifestations in the illness, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, significant unintended weight loss, or signs of altered mentation. Closer follow up and early identification and intervention is advisable or may be needed to prevent complications or improve health outcomes.
Why Apex Multispeciality Hospitals?
Apex Multispeciality Hospitals provides a thorough evaluation for patients presenting with jaundice, using advanced diagnostic tools, and combined with a multidisciplinary approach. The hospital offers personalized treatment, targeted at the underlying cause, whether it is hepatobiliary, pancreatic, or hematological. Their expert teams also focus on educating patients and follow-up care to monitor progress in either disease or recovery.
Final Thoughts
Recognizing jaundice as an important warning sign can mean the difference between life and death when confident that he or she received timely medical attention for potentially serious medical conditions that lie beneath the color change. If you are concerned about yellowing of the skin or eyes, don’t hesitate to consult specialists at Apex Multispeciality Hospitals who will offer expert diagnosis and aid in treatment to manage and revert the underlying cause safely and efficiently.
