Jaundice

Overview

Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin that may affect the eyeball, as well as mucous membranes in the mouth. High levels of bilirubin in the blood cause jaundice. In light-skinned people, signs of jaundice are more prominent on the face, body and eyeballs than in dark skinned patients. However, in dark skinned patients, signs of jaundice may also be readily apparent on the eyeball and in the upper area of the mouth cavity, called the hard palate.

Types

Jaundice can be of three types. Pre-hepatic jaundice is caused by an increased rate of breakdown of red blood cells. Hepatic jaundice may occur due to acute hepatitis, hepatotoxicity and alcoholic liver disease. Post-hepatic jaundice (also known as obstructive jaundice) occurs due to the malfunctioning of the biliary system that performs bile drainage.

Symptoms

The common symptoms of jaundice include yellow eyeballs, dark urine and clay colored stools. Jaundice is a condition that causes several bodily disorders and may be a warning sign of ailment such as pancreatic cancer. Other associated symptoms of jaundice may include fever, chills and fatigue. Many patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, vomiting and even anorexia. Others may experience some cardiopulmonary symptoms such as shortness of breath or heart palpitations.

Causes/Risk Factors

A jaundice condition in a patient may be the result of many disorders such as cirrhosis, heart failure, hepatitis, sickle cell anemia, acute pancreatitis and carcinomas. In addition, certain drugs and treatments may trigger symptoms of jaundice. Most common drugs that may cause hepatitis or hepatic injuries resulting in jaundice are various hormonal contraceptives, dilantin and acetaminophen. Exchanging infected needles with drug users is also one of the most common causes for jaundice. Upper abdominal surgery may also cause jaundice that leads to an obstructed bile flow due to swelling.

The yellowish-orange coloration that typically accompanies jaundice may be due to three different forms of the condition, but regardless of the form of jaundice, it is the increase in bilirubin levels in the blood and the impaired metabolism process that causes jaundice.

Tests/Diagnosis

In the suspected person, the causative fact can be determined by various tests, including bilirubin, liver enzyme, cholesterol levels and a complete blood count. Besides these tests, a specialist practitioner consultation is vital to analyze the signs and symptoms of jaundice to ascertain a line of treatment.

Treatments

Infants are particularly prone to developing jaundice within three to five days following birth. Such cases are usually the result of congenital or common bile duct issues. Jaundice is also common in people older than 60 and is caused by obstructions, as well as deficiencies in body. Medical help should be taken immediately to have blood tests performed for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Prompt identification and treatment of jaundice is necessary for long-term health care, prevention and the risk of spreading to others. Jaundice treatment, if neglected, can be fatal.