Jaundice - Causes ,Treatment and Symptoms

Jaundice is characterized by yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin due to high levels of bilirubin in the body. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells that is normally processed by the liver and excreted in the bile.

Symptoms of Jaundice

• Fever, chills
• Abdominal pain
• Yellowing of skin & eyes
• Feels tired easily
• Weight loss
• Muscle or joint pain
• Itching, loss of appetite
• Dark colored urine
• Discoloration or clay colored stools
• Drowsiness & confusion

Types of Jaundice:

• Pre-Hepatic Jaundice: Excessive production of bilirubin due to rapid breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis). Consequently, the liver, though normally functioning, is overwhelmed & fails to excrete too much bilirubin, leading to its accumulation in the body. 
• Hepatic Jaundice: Inability of the liver to process (conjugate & excrete) bilirubin due to damage to hepatic cells, caused by various conditions. 

• Post-Hepatic Jaundice: Conjugation of bilirubin is unaffected, but its excretion is blocked due to bile duct obstruction, which prevents the transport of bilirubin from the liver to the small intestine, resulting in the accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream.
• Neonatal jaundice: Commonly observed in newborns, it is characterized by a temporary elevation in bilirubin levels due to immaturity of the liver and reduced activity of enzymes involved in bilirubin processing. This condition typically resolves on its own as the liver matures fully. However, in severe cases, treatment for neonatal jaundice includes phototherapy (using blue light to break down bilirubin in the skin) & feeding the baby more often to promote bilirubin excretion through more frequent bowel movements.
  
• Black Jaundice: Severe & life-threatening type, characterized by very dark discoloration (green or brown) due to excessive bilirubin levels, occurring at the severe liver damage or hemolysis phase.

What are the causes of jaundice?

The liver plays a key role in eliminating it via bile; however, if the organs such as the bile duct, gallbladder, and liver are impaired, this can lead to elevated bilirubin levels, which causes jaundice.

• Certain medications, such as birth control pills, NSAIDs, and steroids
• Alcohol-induced liver disease, 
• Other liver conditions, such as Viral Hepatitis or cirrhosis
• Genetic conditions such as sickle cell anemia (abnormal-shaped RBC)
• Gallstone formation & pancreatic tumors can cause bile duct blockage, leading to jaundice.
• Infection in the blood caused by the malarial parasite that attacks RBC can cause jaundice.

When should I call the doctor for Jaundice?
If you are experiencing yellowing of eyes or skin, accompanied by severe abdominal pain or any of the above symptoms lasting for more than a few days, it is important to contact your doctor immediately. In the case of a newborn, if you notice the above signs & symptoms within 24 hours, you must seek the healthcare provider.

Don’t wait for signs to grow severe. Consult our Gastro specialists today

Treatment for Jaundice:

• Detection & treatment of the underlying causes leading to high levels of bilirubin, such as liver diseases, biliary obstructions, or severe infections.
• Phototherapy or frequent feeding for neonatal jaundice 
• Gallbladder or pancreatic surgeries to treat biliary obstruction & promote excretion of bilirubin.
• Supportive therapy, to improve liver function, includes proper dietary intake, along with avoiding social habits such as drinking alcohol.
• Blood transfusions are used to treat hemolytic anemia, which can cause jaundice.

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