December 1, 2025 · ✓ Medically Reviewed by Apex Clinical Team
Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes, caused by a build-up of bilirubin — a pigment produced when red blood cells break down — in the blood. It's often an important warning sign that something is wrong with the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, or blood.
WHAT CAUSES JAUNDICE? Jaundice falls into three broad categories: - Pre-hepatic causes: Increased red blood cell breakdown (hemolysis) producing more bilirubin than the liver can process, as seen in hemolytic anaemia or certain genetic disorders. - Hepatic causes: Damage or dysfunction of liver cells that disrupts bilirubin processing — from hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcohol-related liver disease, infections, or medications. - Post-hepatic causes: A blockage in bile flow after bilirubin has been processed, commonly from gallstones, tumors (like pancreatic or bile duct cancer), or strictures.
Common Symptoms Linked to Jaundice
Along with yellowing, jaundice can bring dark urine and pale stools (from disrupted bile flow), itchy skin (from bile salt build-up), fatigue, abdominal pain and weight loss (with liver or pancreatic disease), and fever or flu-like symptoms if infection is the cause.
Diagnosing Jaundice
Doctors take a detailed history and physical exam, checking liver size, tenderness, and degree of yellowing. Key tests include blood work (liver function tests, total bilirubin, complete blood count, hepatitis panels), imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI to check the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts), and sometimes liver biopsy or specialised imaging (ERCP/MRCP) to confirm diagnosis or severity.
Treatment and Management
Treatment targets the underlying cause: antiviral or supportive therapy for infections like hepatitis; surgical or endoscopic treatment for bile duct blockages from gallstones or tumors; lifestyle changes, medication, or in severe cases transplantation for liver disease; and phototherapy or feeding support for newborn jaundice, with medication if severe.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Sudden jaundice or accompanying symptoms like severe abdominal pain, fever, significant weight loss, or confusion warrant prompt medical attention — early diagnosis and intervention help prevent complications and improve outcomes.
WHY APEX MULTISPECIALITY HOSPITALS? Apex Multispeciality Hospitals offers thorough evaluation using advanced diagnostics and a multidisciplinary approach, with personalised treatment targeting the underlying cause — hepatobiliary, pancreatic, or haematological — plus patient education and follow-up care to monitor progress.
Final Thoughts
Recognizing jaundice as a warning sign — and acting on it — can be the difference between catching a serious condition early and letting it progress. If you're concerned about yellowing of the skin or eyes, specialists at Apex Multispeciality Hospitals can offer expert diagnosis and help manage the underlying cause safely.
