Jaundice is a situation in which the skin turns yellow due to increased bilirubin. Bilirubin is a yellow-brown substance produced when red blood cells break down, processed and are usually removed by the liver. If the excess is not removed, it causes jaundice. Let’s understand more about it in this article.
What is Jaundice?
Jaundice is a condition in which the skin, whites of eyes, and body fluids colour changes to yellow. It is not a disease in itself but a sign that there is some underlying health condition. It happens when the red blood cells die and leave bilirubin, an orange-yellow pigment, in your blood. The liver is vital in filtering this bilirubin from the blood to be removed from your stool. If there is too much bilirubin in your body or your liver gets overloaded, it can lead to hyperbilirubinemia. This situation leads to jaundice in adults and changes their skin, eye whites, and body fluids to yellow.
It is mostly common in babies, especially newborns. 60% of newborns are affected with icterus (jaundice) known as neonatal jaundice, one of the types of jaundice, within the first few days of their birth. This does not mean that adults are not prone to this condition, although it is not too common. Therefore, it is better to visit your doctor as it may be a symptom of blood, liver, or gallbladder issues.
How is Jaundice Diagnosed?
To begin jaundice treatment, your doctor will diagnose which of the types of jaundice symptoms you are experiencing so far and how it will combat using the right approach. Your doctor may start by checking your abdomen and asking about your symptoms. They can also ask about your medical history and lifestyle habits. Also, you may be suggested to undergo specific tests to check the bilirubin levels or determine your liver situation. To detect jaundice in adults, below diagnosis methods are listed
- Liver biopsy
- CBC
- Ultrasonography
- CT scan
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
- Liver Function Tests
- γ-Glutamyltransferase test
- Alanine transaminase test
- Aspartate transaminase test
Jaundice Causes
Jaundice in adults is caused due to bilirubin build-up in the blood. When an adult is diagnosed with jaundice, it means they are suffering from a serious medical condition. In most cases, the factor behind jaundice causes is a problem related to their liver. It is because the damaged cells in the liver stops processing bilirubin and hence there is an excess of it.
Common types of jaundice causes are:
- Hepatitis A, B, and C
- Epstein-Barr virus infection
- Alcohol-induced hepatitis
- Autoimmune disorder
- Certain medicines
- Rare genetic metabolic defects
- Cirrhosis (liver scarring)
- Hereditary conditions, like Gilbert syndrome and Dubin-Johnson syndrome
- Pregnancy
- Gallstones
- Liver, pancreatic, or gallbladder cancer
- Pancreatitis
- Lymphoma
- Obstruction of the biliary tract
- Surgery
Common Jaundice Symptoms
Here are some common jaundice symptoms that are linked to jaundice:
- Yellowing of whites of eyes, skin, and body fluid
- Dark-coloured urine
- Pale stool
- Itching
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Chills
- Flu-like symptoms
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Mental changes, such as confusion or tiredness
Jaundice Treatment and its Precautions
In case of newborn babies, jaundice treatment is needed only when the baby has high levels of bilirubin. Most cases won’t require any medications, and if the jaundice symptoms do not go away after 10-14 days, the doctors may ask for additional tests. This timeframe can also be extended if the child was born premature. The jaundice treatment in the case of adults is not specific to jaundice; it has more to do with the underlying medical condition. So, in simple words, the treatment will depend on the cause and symptoms. For adults, the treatment plan includes eating a balanced diet to support liver health and reduce the jaundice symptoms.
You may also be asked to drink more water, eat lean protein and vegetables, and avoid sugary food products and alcohol for some time. In most cases, just a change in lifestyle and diet can manage jaundice symptoms in adults. In case jaundice is because of hepatitis B and C, there are different medications which are prescribed.
In case the symptoms or causes indicate something more serious, your doctor may suggest you undergo surgery. The reasons for which surgery is suggested are:
- A blocked bile duct
- Gallstones
- Pancreatic cancer
The surgical procedure involves placing a stent which lets the bile flow through the blockage. Bile is the digestive fluid that is made by your liver.
Last Thoughts
Understanding ‘what is jaundice’ is very crucial in order to take preventive measures like taking care of your diet and lifestyle can help manage jaundice in adults. Although following a diet is often complicated, it is better to eat a well-balanced diet to ensure optimal liver health. You can include vegetables, lean protein, and fruits and restrict consuming sugary products and alcohol. The key to good health is monitoring your health regularly and visiting a doctor if something is wrong.
