Jaundice: Understanding the Symptom
Jaundice is not a disease but a symptom, signaling an elevated level of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Under normal conditions, bilirubin—a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown—is processed by the liver and excreted in bile. Its presence indicates potential issues with the liver, gallbladder, or red blood cells.
- 080 2525 44 44
- 080 2525 66 66
- 98444 47766
Causes of Jaundice
1. Pre-Hepatic Jaundice (Before the Liver)
- Excessive breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis) leads to an overwhelming production of bilirubin that the liver cannot handle.
- Common Causes:
- Hemolytic anemia: A condition characterized by rapid red blood cell destruction.
- Inherited blood disorders: Conditions like sickle cell anemia and thalassemia result in abnormal red blood cells.
- Infections such as malaria: These can trigger significant red blood cell destruction.
- Common Causes:
2. Hepatic Jaundice (Within the Liver)
- Liver damage impairs its ability to process bilirubin effectively.
- Common Causes:
- Hepatitis: Liver inflammation, often due to viral infections like hepatitis A, B, or C.
- Alcoholic liver disease: Liver dysfunction caused by excessive alcohol intake.
- Cirrhosis: Scar tissue formation due to chronic liver diseases.
- Common Causes:
Liver cancer: Malignant growths in the liver affecting its function.
3. Post-Hepatic Jaundice (After the Liver)
- Obstructions in bile flow from the liver to the intestines.
- Common Causes:
- Gallstones: These block bile ducts, preventing proper bile excretion.
- Bile duct cancer: A rare cancer that obstructs bile flow.
- Pancreatic cancer: Tumors compressing the bile duct.
- Bile duct strictures: Narrowing of bile ducts due to scars or injuries.
- Common Causes:
Symptoms of Jaundice
The hallmark symptom is the yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Depending on the cause, other symptoms may include:
- Dark urine: Tea-colored urine due to excess bilirubin.
- Pale stools: Chalky stools indicating a lack of bile in the digestive tract.
- Itchy skin: Caused by the buildup of bile acids.
- Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right area.
- Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or a loss of appetite.
- Fever: Often linked to infections like hepatitis.
Diagnosing Jaundice
- Physical Examination – Observing yellowish skin or eyes and assessing the abdomen for liver enlargement or tenderness.
- Blood Tests
- Liver function tests: Evaluate liver enzyme levels like ALT, AST, and ALP.
- Bilirubin levels: Elevated levels confirm icterus.
- Complete blood count (CBC): Detects anemia or infections.
- Imaging Tests
- Ultrasound: Detects liver issues, gallstones, or obstructions.
- CT or MRI scans: Provides detailed imaging of liver and bile ducts.
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): Examines bile ducts and treats obstructions.
- Liver Biopsy – In specific cases, a small sample of liver tissue is taken to detect underlying conditions such as liver cancer or chronic liver disease.
Treating Jaundice
1. Pre-Hepatic Jaundice
Treatment focuses on reducing red blood cell breakdown:
- Blood transfusions for severe hemolysis.
- Medications for conditions like sickle cell anemia.
- Antibiotics or antimalarial drugs for infections.
2. Hepatic Jaundice
Managing liver-related causes:
- Antiviral medications for hepatitis B or C.
- Lifestyle changes and medication for cirrhosis or alcoholic liver disease.
- Surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation for liver cancer.
3. Post-Hepatic Jaundice
Addressing blockages in bile flow:
- Gallstone removal via surgery or ERCP.
- Stent placement to widen narrow bile ducts.
- Surgical removal of tumors obstructing bile ducts.
Jaundice serves as an indicator of potential underlying health issues involving the liver, bile ducts, or red blood cells. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to address the root cause and prevent complications.
