Jaundice: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Jaundice is a medical condition that is characterised by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. The discolouration is caused by an excess of bilirubin in the bloodstream (a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells).

Contrary to what most people think, jaundice is not a disease. Rather, it is a symptom of an underlying disorder mainly related to the gallbladder, liver and pancreas.

Jaundice can affect individuals of any age, whether they are adults or children.

Jaundice: An Overview

Bilirubin is the by-product of broken-down old red blood cells. When the red blood cells finish their life cycles, they are broken down, and the resulting bilirubin is passed into the bloodstream. The bilirubin is passed to the liver, where it is processed and combined with bile.

Bile exits the body through the intestines and is eventually excreted in the form of stools, giving the poop its yellow colour.

Now, jaundice occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin in the blood. The build-up of bilirubin is responsible for the yellow discolouration of the skin, the whites of the eyes and the mucus membranes.

While jaundice is not a disease itself, it signifies mild or serious health concerns related to the liver, gallbladder or bile duct obstruction, stated a reputed jaundice treatment doctor.

How do you know that you have jaundice?

Jaundice has no well-known symptoms. The most obvious sign is the yellowing of the skin and eyes. Some of the other signs depend upon the underlying health issue and include the following:

• Dark-coloured urine
• Pale coloured stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Flu-like symptoms
• Itching in the skin
• Fever and chills
• Abdominal pain, especially in the liver and gallbladder area
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blood in the vomit

The severity of the symptoms depends on what’s causing the condition. Moreover, symptoms can vary widely; hence, it is always important to consult an experienced doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Types of Jaundice

Jaundice is mainly classified into three main categories depending on the stage at which bilirubin metabolism is disrupted.

Pre-hepatic: It occurs before the bilirubin is processed by the liver. This happens due to the excessive breakdown of red blood cells, leading to the build-up of high levels of unconjugated bilirubin in the blood. Its common causes include malaria, sickle-cell anaemia and thalassaemia.

Hepatic: It occurs due to liver dysfunction when the organ itself cannot process the bilirubin properly. The common causes include liver cancer, genetic disorders like Gilbert syndrome and cirrhosis.

Post-hepatic: It occurs due to obstruction in the bile ducts, preventing the bilirubin from being excreted into the digestive tract. The blockage can be caused by a variety of factors such as gallstones, tumours and pancreatitis.

Causes of Jaundice

One can get jaundice due to various reasons. Here are some of them.

• Liver diseases such as Hepatitis A, B, C, alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disorders.
• Medications like acetaminophen, penicillin, birth control pills, and steroids.
• Obstructions related to the bile ducts, gallbladder and pancreas.
• Genetic conditions such as Gilbert syndrome
• Blood disorders like malaria and thalassaemia

Treatment Options for Jaundice

There is no particular treatment option for jaundice. Instead, the jaundice treatment doctor diagnoses and prepares a treatment option for the condition that’s causing the jaundice.

For instance, if your jaundice is caused by liver disorders, the doctor might recommend medications and lifestyle changes. On the other hand, if it is caused by gallstones or obstruction in the bile ducts, patients are required to undergo surgical intervention.

Moreover, the doctor will prescribe medicines to help you get relief from the symptoms. For example, if the skin is itching, patients are recommended cholestyramine to be taken by mouth.

Final Words

It is obvious for patients to get worried if they notice yellowing of their skin. However, there is nothing to be scared of, as prompt diagnosis and treatment can treat the condition effectively and prevent long-term complications. All you need to do is consult a certified jaundice treatment doctor for the best outcomes.