You’ve probably noticed that some diseases are tricky to spot when they first show up. But others come right out and make themselves known. One such condition is jaundice, characterised by the yellowing of the skin and eyes. While it’s common in babies and usually harmless, adults with jaundice could be dealing with an underlying health issue. That’s why knowing what is jaundice and what to look out for is important. So, let’s dive in and explore everything there is to know about jaundice.
What is Jaundice?
Jaundice is the yellow discolouration of the eyes, skin and mucous films. It happens when the body has an overproduction of bilirubin, a yellow substance produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. Under normal conditions, bilirubin passes through the liver and is eliminated in the stools. But it can’t be properly removed if there’s an excessive amount of bilirubin produced or there is severe damage to the liver or bile ducts. And that’s what gives the skin and eyes a yellowish tinge. Monitoring bilirubin levels is crucial for identifying and addressing potential health concerns.
Causes of Jaundice
Usually, the development of jaundice means there is an underlying problem in the body that either makes too much bilirubin or stops the liver from getting rid of it. These include:
- Reactions to certain drugs
- Infections like viral hepatitis
- Parasitic infections of the liver
- Cirrhosis (scarring of liver tissue)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Gallbladder or pancreatic cancer
- Gallstones
- Gallbladder problems that lead to bile pipe blockages, blood issues,
- Pancreatic disease, and
- Inherited liver disorders like Gilbert disorder or Dubin-Johnson condition. These affect the breakdown of bilirubin in the body
Symptoms of Jaundice
When jaundice occurs, the whites of the eyes are the primary tissues that turn yellow. This happens when bilirubin levels are moderately high. The skin turns yellow when bilirubin levels are elevated even further. Other side effects related to jaundice will depend on the reason behind it. However, the common symptoms seen in most cases include:
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Excessive tiredness (fatigue)
Apart from this, people may also experience the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Itchiness
- High temperature (fever)
Types of Jaundice
The different types of jaundice include:
- Haemolytic jaundice: This results from excessive red blood cell breakdown
- Hepatocellular jaundice: This stems from liver damage or infection
- Obstructive jaundice: This is caused by bile duct obstruction, which hinders the removal of bilirubin from the liver
Diagnosis of Jaundice
Getting a jaundice diagnosis involves a few steps. First, the doctor will ask about the patient’s medical history and perform a physical exam, all of which assess the abdomen, liver, and skin. The doctor might also order some laboratory tests to help figure out what is causing the jaundice. These include:
- Bilirubin test
- Full blood count to measure the level of red and white blood cells and platelets
- Blood tests to detect liver infections like hepatitis A, B, and C
If the doctor suspects a liver blockage is causing the jaundice, they might conduct imaging tests like MRIs, CT scans, or ultrasounds. In some cases, they may perform an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which combines endoscopy and X-ray imaging.
In certain situations, a liver biopsy might also be needed. This involves taking a small sample of liver tissue with a needle and examining it under a microscope. This can help check for inflammation, cirrhosis, cancer, or fatty liver.
Treatment of Jaundice
Jaundice treatment mainly focuses on addressing the underlying condition rather than directly treating the jaundice itself.
If you’re dealing with acute viral hepatitis, you can be assured that the jaundice will naturally go away as your liver heals. In cases where a blocked bile duct is to blame, your doctor might recommend surgery to open it up. And if you’re experiencing itching, your doctor can prescribe cholestyramine, a medication taken orally to combat bile acid-induced itching. If severe liver damage is the cause of jaundice, a liver transplant might be the way out.
Newborns and Jaundice
Jaundice affects around 60% of full-term infants and 80% of premature babies. It typically emerges within the first days of life because they have too many red blood cells. These cells break down a lot and need to be replaced. However, newborns have underdeveloped livers, so they struggle to get rid of the bilirubin in their blood, leading to jaundice. Apart from this, a few other factors are associated with jaundice in babies, including:
- An underactive thyroid gland
- Blood group incompatibility between the pregnant person and the baby
- Rhesus disease, where the pregnant person’s antibodies attack the baby’s blood cells
- Urinary tract infection
- Blockage in the bile ducts and gallbladder
Breastfeeding or chest feeding can also increase the likelihood of jaundice in newborns, but don’t worry, there’s no need to stop feeding the baby this way. In these cases, the jaundice symptoms usually go away within a few weeks.
While usually harmless, monitoring bilirubin levels is crucial, as excessive levels may require treatment to avert potential complications. Treatment often involves phototherapy, exposing the baby to specialised lights that aid bilirubin breakdown. In severe cases, interventions like blood exchange transfusions may be necessary.
Complications Associated with Jaundice
The treatment of jaundice may lead to certain complications or side effects like constipation, stomach pain, bloating, or diarrhoea. In babies, issues may involve fever, vomiting, lethargy, difficulty waking, distinctive crying, and, in severe cases, possible brain damage causing hearing loss, mobility problems, and dental issues. The underlying issues that cause jaundice can also result in their own complications.
How Can Jaundice Be Prevented?
Here are a few simple tweaks to your everyday routine that can help prevent jaundice:
- Eat healthy, balanced meals
- Stay active and get those endorphins flowing
- Go easy on the alcohol—moderation is key
- Steer clear of harmful chemicals and toxins, whether they’re in the air or on your skin
- Be mindful when it comes to medication management
- Ensuring immunisation against hepatitis A and B viruses can help prevent liver infections that can lead to jaundice
- Safe practices: Practising safe sex, avoiding sharing needles, and using sterile equipment can reduce the risk of contracting hepatitis viruses
Conclusion
Jaundice is a condition that affects many people, but it doesn’t have to be a cause for concern. You can better navigate this condition by understanding the various causes of jaundice and knowing when to seek medical attention. Remember, jaundice causes and experiences may differ, and it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice. Stay informed, take proactive measures, and remember that your health should always remain a top priority. Having health insurance can provide essential financial support for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.