Jaundice - A Quick Read

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Do you feel your skin looks more yellowish recently?

Do your eyes have a yellow tinge to it?

What is Jaundice?

• there is a buildup of bilirubin (yellow-orange bile pigment) in the skin, mucus membranes and eyes.

Signs and Symptoms

• can be asymptomatic

• if caused by infections then:

  • fever

  • chills

  • abdominal pains

  • Flu-like symptoms

  • Urine discoloration

  • Stool discoloration

  • Skin discoloration

  • Eye discoloration

• if not by infection:

  • weight loss

  • itchy skin

  • abdominal pains

• depending on underlying cause:

  • weakness

  • loss of appetite

  • headache

  • confusion

  • nausea

  • vomiting

  • swelling of legs and abdomen

Causes:

• Hemolytic anemia

• Viral 

• Alcohol

• Autoimmune conditions

• Genetic metabolic problems

• Medications

• Bile duct obstruction

  • Gallstones

  • Gall bladder inflammation

  • Growth in gall bladder or pancreas

• Hepatitis

Risk Factors:

• Liver inflammation

• Bile duct inflammation

• Bile duct obstruction

• Hemolytic anemia

• Cholestasis - interrupted flow of bile from the liver.

Lifestyle Alterations

• Proper hydration required

• Avoid alcohol

• Avoid medication that causes liver effects

• Dietary modifications required

• Get vaccinated where available for hepatitis

• Preventive medication for malaria if visiting areas of concern

• Avoid high risk behaviours like unprotected intercourse or sharing needles

Treatment Options

• Depends on the cause 

• Plenty of rest

• IV fluids

• Discontinuing offending drugs

• Phototherapy

• Surgery