Jaundice is a common health condition resulting in yellowish discolouration of the skin and the whites of the eyes. It can occur due to an existing medical issue or as a side effect to certain medications; however, there are many other potential causes of jaundice that range from dietary habits to certain infections. Understanding what may be causing your jaundice is critical for proper diagnosis and treatment, so it is important to learn more about this condition. In this article, we will discuss all the possible jaundice causes including lifestyle factors and medical issues.
Causes of Jaundice
Each day, a small number of these champions bid farewell and make way for fresh recruits. The liver, our trusty hero, swoops in to remove these retired cells from the bloodstream. However, when the liver falters, trouble brews. Excess bilirubin can accumulate, resulting in a tell-tale yellowish hue on the skin. Jaundice is caused by the following ways:
- Severe destruction of red blood cells can overwhelm and harm the liver, causing jaundice.
- Inability of the liver to effectively transport bilirubin to the digestive system results in elevated bilirubin levels in the bloodstream.
- Viral and Parasitic Infections: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, as well as parasitic infections, can lead to short-term or chronic jaundice, and is one of the main jaundice reasons.
- Drug Use and Reactions: Overdosing on acetaminophen, certain medications like penicillins and oral contraceptives, or exposure to poisonous mushrooms can trigger jaundice.
- Genetic Disorders: Rare conditions such as Gilbert syndrome, Dubin-Johnson syndrome, Rotor syndrome, or Crigler-Najjar syndrome make it difficult for the body to break down bilirubin.
- Blocked Bile Ducts: Gallstones, inflammation of the gallbladder, gallbladder cancer, or pancreatic tumors can result in bile duct blockage and the development of jaundice.
- Alcohol-Related Liver Disease: Excessive alcohol consumption over a long period can lead to serious liver disorders like alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
- Pancreatic Cancer: Bilirubin produced from old red blood cells can cause jaundice if the bile ducts are blocked by pancreatic tumors.
Conclusion
If you are wondering how is jaundice caused, we hope this has helped. Jaundice can be managed by various specialists, including therapists, infectious disease specialists, hematologists, and oncologists. To expedite recovery and manage medical expenses effectively, consider utilizing health insurance. It is recommended to begin with laboratory tests and consult a therapist as necessary, as detecting the underlying cause early on greatly facilitates the treatment of jaundice.
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.