Jaundice is a condition that causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. It's caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that's produced when red blood cells break down.
Bilirubin is normally processed by the liver and then excreted through the intestines. However, if the liver is damaged or if the bile ducts (the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the intestines) are blocked, bilirubin can build up in the blood and cause jaundice.
There are many different causes of jaundice, including:
What Causes Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition that causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. It's caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that's produced when red blood cells break down.
- Liver damage
- Bile duct blockage
- Pancreatitis
- Certain medications
- Genetic disorders
- Alcohol abuse
- Sepsis
- Sickle cell anemia
Jaundice can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, so it's important to see a doctor if you experience it.
Liver damage
Liver damage is one of the most common causes of jaundice. The liver is responsible for processing bilirubin, so if the liver is damaged, it can't process bilirubin properly and bilirubin levels can build up in the blood, leading to jaundice.
There are many different causes of liver damage, including:
- Viral hepatitis
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Cirrhosis
- Autoimmune diseases
- Medications
- Toxins
Liver damage can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as:
- Sepsis
- Cancer
- Heart failure
- Pancreatitis
Jaundice caused by liver damage is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor right away.
Bile duct blockage
Bile duct blockage is another common cause of jaundice. The bile ducts are the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. If the bile ducts are blocked, bile can't flow properly and bilirubin can build up in the blood, leading to jaundice.
- Gallstones
Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. If a gallstone blocks the bile duct, it can cause jaundice.
- Scarring from previous surgery
Scarring from previous surgery, such as gallbladder surgery, can also block the bile ducts.
- Tumors
Tumors, both cancerous and non-cancerous, can grow in the bile ducts and block them.
- Inflammation of the bile ducts
Inflammation of the bile ducts, known as cholangitis, can also cause a blockage.
Jaundice caused by bile duct blockage is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
- Fever and olhochills
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach that produces enzymes that help digest food and hormones that help control blood sugar. Pancreatitis can cause jaundice by blocking the bile duct, which prevents bile from flowing from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine.
There are two main types of pancreatitis:
- Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas that usually lasts for a few days. It can be caused by gallstones, alcohol abuse, or certain medications.
- Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term inflammation of the pancreas that can last for months or years. It is often caused by alcohol abuse or smoking.
Both acute and chronic pancreatitis can cause jaundice, but it is more common in chronic pancreatitis.
Jaundice caused by pancreatitis is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor right away.
Certain medications
Certain medications can also cause jaundice by interfering with the liver's ability to process bilirubin or by blocking the bile ducts.
Some of the medications that can cause jaundice include:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Anabolic steroids
- Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin and erythromycin
- Birth control pills
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen
- Statins, which are used to lower cholesterol
- Tamoxifen, a drug used to treat breast cancer
Jaundice caused by medication is usually mild and goes away after the medication is stopped. However, in some cases, jaundice caused by medication can be severe and lead to liver damage.
If you are taking any medications and you experience jaundice, it's important to see a doctor right away.
It's also important to note that some herbal supplements can also cause jaundice. If you are taking any herbal supplements and you experience jaundice, it's important to stop taking them and see a doctor right away.
Genetic disorders
Genetic disorders are a less common cause of jaundice, but they can be serious. Genetic disorders that can cause jaundice include:
- Gilbert's syndrome
Gilbert's syndrome is a mild genetic disorder that affects the way the liver processes bilirubin. People with Gilbert's syndrome often have mild jaundice, especially when they are stressed, tired, or ill.
- Crigler-Najjar syndrome
Crigler-Najjar syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects the way the liver conjugates bilirubin. There are two types of Crigler-Najjar syndrome: type I and type II. Type I is more severe and can lead to kernicterus, a condition that can cause brain damage.
- Dubin-Johnson syndrome
Dubin-Johnson syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects the way the liver transports bilirubin. People with Dubin-Johnson syndrome often have mild jaundice and dark urine.
- Rotor syndrome
Rotor syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects the way the liver excretes bilirubin. People with Rotor syndrome often have mild jaundice and dark urine.
Jaundice caused by a genetic disorder is usually lifelong. However, the severity of the jaundice can vary from person to person.
Alcohol abuse
Alcohol abuse is a major cause of liver damage, which can lead to jaundice. Alcohol can damage the liver cells, which can then interfere with the liver's ability to process bilirubin. This can lead to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood, which can cause jaundice.
The risk of developing jaundice from alcohol abuse is increased in people who:
- Drink heavily for a long period of time
- Have a family history of liver disease
- Are overweight or obese
- Have diabetes
- Take certain medications
Jaundice caused by alcohol abuse is often accompanied by other symptoms of liver damage, such as:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor right away. Jaundice caused by alcohol abuse can be serious and even life-threatening if it's not treated.
Sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. Sepsis can cause jaundice by damaging the liver, which can then interfere with the liver's ability to process bilirubin. This can lead to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood, which can cause jaundice.
Sepsis can be caused by any type of infection, but it is most commonly caused by infections of the lungs, urinary tract, or abdomen. People who are at increased risk of developing sepsis include:
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes or cancer
- People who have recently had surgery or a medical procedure
- People who are taking certain medications, such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy
Jaundice caused by sepsis is often accompanied by other symptoms of sepsis, such as:
- Fever
- Chills
- Rapid heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Confusion
- Low blood pressure
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor right away. Sepsis is a medical emergency and can be fatal if it's not treated promptly.
Sickle cell anemia
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder in which the red blood cells are sickle-shaped instead of round. Sickle-shaped red blood cells can get stuck in small blood vessels, which can lead to pain, tissue damage, and organ failure. Sickle cell anemia can cause jaundice by damaging the liver and spleen, which are both involved in the processing of bilirubin.
Jaundice is a common complication of sickle cell anemia, and it can occur at any age. People with sickle cell anemia who experience jaundice should see a doctor right away, as it can be a sign of a serious complication.
Other symptoms of sickle cell anemia can include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Painful episodes (called crises) in the bones, muscles, chest, or abdomen
- Swelling in the hands and feet
- Frequent infections
- Delayed growth
- Vision problems
There is no cure for sickle cell anemia, but there are treatments that can help to manage the condition and prevent complications. Treatment options for sickle cell anemia include:
- Hydroxyurea, a medication that can help to prevent the formation of sickle-shaped red blood cells
- Blood transfusions
- Bone marrow transplant
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about jaundice:
Question 1: What is jaundice?
Answer: Jaundice is a condition that causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. It's caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that's produced when red blood cells break down.
Question 2: What causes jaundice?
Answer: Jaundice can be caused by a variety of factors, including liver damage, bile duct blockage, pancreatitis, certain medications, genetic disorders, alcohol abuse, sepsis, and sickle cell anemia.
Question 3: What are the symptoms of jaundice?
Answer: The most common symptom of jaundice is yellow skin and eyes. Other symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and light-colored stools.
Question 4: How is jaundice diagnosed?
Answer: Jaundice is diagnosed with a blood test that measures the level of bilirubin in the blood. Other tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, may be done to determine the cause of the jaundice.
Question 5: How is jaundice treated?
Answer: The treatment for jaundice depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may include medications, surgery, or lifestyle changes.
Question 6: Can jaundice be prevented?
Answer: Some causes of jaundice, such as genetic disorders and sickle cell anemia, cannot be prevented. However, other causes of jaundice, such as liver damage and bile duct blockage, can be prevented by taking steps to protect the liver and gallbladder.
Question 7: What is the outlook for someone with jaundice?
Answer: The outlook for someone with jaundice depends on the underlying cause. Jaundice caused by a treatable condition, such as a bile duct blockage, is usually curable. However, jaundice caused by a chronic condition, such as liver cirrhosis, can be fatal.
If you have any questions about jaundice, talk to your doctor.
Tips
Here are some tips for preventing and managing jaundice:
Tip 1: Protect your liver. The liver is responsible for processing bilirubin, so it's important to protect it from damage. You can do this by:
- Drinking alcohol in moderation
- Avoiding the use of illicit drugs
- Getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B
- Practicing safe sex to avoid contracting sexually transmitted infections that can damage the liver
Tip 2: Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing fatty liver disease, which can lead to jaundice.
Tip 3: Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to protect your liver and gallbladder.
Tip 4: Get regular exercise. Regular exercise can help to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases, such as liver disease and diabetes, which can lead to jaundice.
Tip 5: Avoid contact with toxins. Some toxins, such as certain chemicals and pesticides, can damage the liver and lead to jaundice. It's important to take precautions to avoid contact with these toxins, especially if you work in an industrial setting.
If you have any concerns about your risk of developing jaundice, talk to your doctor.
Jaundice can be a serious condition, but it can often be prevented and managed with proper care.
Conclusion
Jaundice is a condition that causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. It's caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that's produced when red blood cells break down. Jaundice can be caused by a variety of factors, including liver damage, bile duct blockage, pancreatitis, certain medications, genetic disorders, alcohol abuse, sepsis, and sickle cell anemia.
The symptoms of jaundice can include yellow skin and eyes, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and light-colored stools. Jaundice is diagnosed with a blood test that measures the level of bilirubin in the blood. Other tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, may be done to determine the cause of the jaundice.
The treatment for jaundice depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may include medications, surgery, or lifestyle changes. Some causes of jaundice, such as genetic disorders and sickle cell anemia, cannot be prevented. However, other causes of jaundice, such as liver damage and bile duct blockage, can be prevented by taking steps to protect the liver and gallbladder.
If you have any questions about jaundice, talk to your doctor.