If you have looked in the mirror and noticed a yellowish tinge in your skin or eyes, it could be a sign of jaundice. This condition is more common than most people realize.

Jaundice occurs when there is too much bilirubin in your blood. Bilirubin, a yellow pigment, is produced when the red blood cells break down. In normal cases, the liver processes this pigment. However, if something starts interrupting the process, it may lead to the build-up, leading to yellowing of the skin and eyes. Jaundice has three types:

• Pre-hepatic Jaundice: It is caused by the excessive breakdown of red blood cells before bilirubin reaches the liver.
• Hepatic Jaundice: It occurs due to liver-related conditions such as hepatitis or even liver cirrhosis that impair the normal processing of bilirubin.
• Post-hepatic Jaundice: This type of jaundice occurs due to blockages in the bile ducts caused by tumors or gallstones that prevent bilirubin from being excreted properly.

Jaundice is more commonly associated with newborns. That said, even adults may develop this condition at any point due to reasons such as consuming contaminated water, malfunction of the liver, blockage of the bile ducts, and more. It is vital to keep a check on the symptoms of this condition and visit a doctor immediately as you experience them.

What are the Symptoms of Jaundice?

Yellow Colored Sclera or Skin

The yellowing of skin or eyes is the most common and obvious symptom of jaundice. It may start subtly and worsen over time. If the discoloration is persistent, you must visit a doctor and confirm the diagnosis through a medical check-up.

Loss of Appetite

Loss of appetite is another common symptom of jaundice. It may occur in addition to yellow eyes, especially when your liver or digestive issues are associated with jaundice. It may also indicate impaired metabolism and nutrient absorption and requires medical assessment and treatment.

Nausea

Persistent nausea is another common sign of jaundice. The nausea may occur alongside yellow eyes and skin. In such cases, it may suggest serious liver or bile duct issues. You may vomit frequently due to toxin exposure or acute infections.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Sudden or unexplained weight loss, when combined with yellowing of the eyes or skin, could be a warning sign of jaundice. In some cases, it may be a sign of more severe conditions, such as chronic illnesses affecting the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder, and even cancer.

Unexplained Fatigue

Jaundice also causes unexplained fatigue. You may feel tired and lethargic due to the body’s reduced ability to produce energy and process toxins. It is advised to visit the doctor for assessment, as it may also indicate anemia or a chronic disease.

How is Jaundice Diagnosed?

If you experience any or all of the above-listed symptoms, it is advised to visit a doctor and get yourself checked for diagnosis. The doctor will run some important tests to rule out the condition.

Physical Examination

The doctor will inspect your yellow colored sclera, skin tone, and other visible signs through physical examination. They may also check for tenderness in the abdomen or liver enlargement.

Blood Tests

They will run some blood tests to measure liver enzymes, bilirubin levels, and blood counts to check for the cause of yellow eyes. These blood tests help distinguish between blood disorders, liver diseases, and bile duct obstruction.

Imaging Tests

In addition to blood tests, the doctor may recommend imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI, to examine the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and bile ducts for tumors, obstruction, or structural damage.

Liver Biopsy

If the doctor suspects a liver disease, they may carry out a liver biopsy by taking a small tissue sample and examining it under a microscope for fibrosis, inflammation, or cancer.

When to Consult a Specialist?

It is advised to be watchful of the symptoms of jaundice. While mild jaundice may resolve on its own, you must not give second thoughts in visiting a specialist like a gastroenterologist in case of the following signs:

• Persistent yellowing of eyes and skin
• Severe abdominal pain and swelling
• Dark urine and pale stools
• Intense itching or skin rashes
• Chronic fatigue and unexplained weight loss.

How is Jaundice Treated?

The treatment of jaundice depends on the underlying cause. It is best to let the doctor rule out the underlying cause and plan a suitable treatment. Depending on your unique case, they may suggest the following:

• Medications: Medications help treat the underlying conditions causing jaundice, such as antivirals for hepatitis or medicines to dissolve gallstones.
• Phototherapy: The doctor will recommend that you expose your skin to specific wavelengths of light to break down excess bilirubin.
• Endoscopic Procedures: These procedures help remove bile duct obstructions or gallstones, causing jaundice. The doctor uses minimally invasive techniques to treat them.
• Liver Transplant: If your case is too severe, the doctor will replace the diseased liver with a healthy donor liver.

In addition to the above-listed treatments, you will be advised to make changes in your diet to manage the symptoms of the condition. These include the consumption of a balanced diet. Avoid too oily or too spicy foods and reduce the consumption of alcohol. Avoid consuming food from outside and keep yourself hydrated by drinking clean water.

Takeaway

Jaundice is a common condition that may be caused by several internal or external factors. By understanding the key symptoms and causes, you can take timely action and avoid complications.