Pronounced: JON-dis
Jaundice consists of a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucus membranes (tissue including that which lines the mouth), and whites of the eyes. It is a symptom that often occurs with liver and gallbladder disorders. It may also be present in certain blood disorders and is occasionally due to benign (normal) metabolic conditions.
Jaundice occurs when excess bilirubin builds up in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow-brown colored substance in the bile that is formed during the body's normal process of breaking down red blood cells. Bile is a liquid that carries waste products (including bilirubin) away from the liver. It also helps break down fats in the small intestine.
There are several reasons why too much bilirubin can build up in the blood. They include:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The risk factors for jaundice are those that increase the risk for liver and gallbladder disorders. They include:
Jaundice appears as a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucus membranes, and/or whites of the eyes.
Depending on the specific disorder that causes jaundice, other symptoms may occur, such as tiredness, fatigue, fever, chills, and unexplained weight loss.
If you have jaundice, the doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Your doctor will ask you questions about:
Tests may include:
Mild jaundice in newborns is common and usually clears without treatment. If bilirubin levels rise above a certain level, the baby may receive phototherapy , which is treatment with a special ultraviolet light. In Gilbert's syndrome, jaundice tends to occur during stressful periods and clears without treatment.
In most other types of jaundice, the specific condition causing it must be treated. There are many treatments that may be used for liver and gallbladder problems depending on the exact condition. They include:
If you are diagnosed with jaundice, follow your doctor's instructions.
Prevention depends on the disorder causing jaundice. You may not be able to prevent some of the disorders. However, you can take the steps below to decrease your chance of developing liver disease:
RESOURCES:
American Liver Foundation
http://www.liverfoundation.org/
American Gastroenterological Association
http://www.gastro.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Liver Foundation
http://www.liver.ca/Home.aspx/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php/
References:
American Liver Foundation website. Available at: http://www.liverfoundation.org/.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia website. Available at http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cup/cee/cee.html.
The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 1999.
Nemours website. Available at: http://www.nemours.org/internet/.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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