Jaundice is a condition whereby the skin, eyes (whites of the eyes), and mucous membranes turn yellow. This stems from bilirubin overproduction, a yellow-orange pigment found in bile that the liver secretes. Bilirubin is produced when red blood cells (RBC) break down. Thus, when bilirubin levels rise, the body displays a yellow colour.
This blog will throw light on symptoms of jaundice and help you discover the starting symptoms of jaundice as well as white jaundice symptoms.
Symptoms of Jaundice
Jaundice can occur from issues in any of the three phases of bilirubin production. Unconjugated jaundice may result from increased levels of bilirubin caused by either the reabsorption of a large hematoma (a collection of clotted or partially clotted blood) or hemolytic anemias (destruction of blood cells before their normal lifespan gets completed).
During bilirubin production, jaundice can be caused by:
- Viral infections, such as Hepatitis A, chronic Hepatitis B and C, and Epstein-Barr virus infection
- Alcohol consumption
- Autoimmune disorders
- Rare genetic metabolic defects
- Medications such as oral contraceptives or anabolic steroids
Jaundice can also occur post bilirubin production from obstruction of the bile ducts by:
- Gallstones
- Inflammation of the gallbladder
- Gallbladder cancer
- Pancreatic tumor
Sometimes, the starting symptoms of jaundice may not be evident in an affected person and are discovered only by chance. The underlying causes determine the severity of symptoms and the rate of development of the disease.
If your jaundice is classified as a short-term case that is usually caused by infection, the following symptoms and signs may be seen:
- Jaundice caused by infectionFever
- Chills
- Abdominal pain
- Flu-like symptoms
- Change in skin colour
- Dark-coloured urine or clay-coloured stool
Jaundice from other causes
-
- Weight loss
- Itchy skin (pruritus)
Jaundice caused by pancreatic or biliary tract cancers
Jaundice occurring from liver disease
-
- Chronic hepatitis or inflammation of the liver
- Pyoderma gangrenosum (disease of the skin)
- Acute hepatitis A, B, or C
- Polyarthralgyias (inflammation of the joints)
Identifying these symptoms can help determine the underlying cause of jaundice and guiding appropriate treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice and check your health insurance coverage for any necessary treatments or hospitalizations.
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.
Also Read: