Jaundice: An Explanation of This Yellowish Tint in the Skin and Eyes
Jaundice, a medical condition characterised by the yellowing of the skin and eyes, is a symptom of various underlying health issues. It can occur in individuals of all ages, but it is particularly common in newborns.
While jaundice itself is not a disease, it often indicates problems with the liver, bile ducts, or red blood cells, which disrupt bilirubin metabolism and elimination. Bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells, builds up in the bloodstream when these processes are impaired.
Major causes of jaundice include liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, which impair the liver's ability to process bilirubin. Obstruction of bile ducts, often due to gallstones, tumours, inflammation, or strictures, can also lead to jaundice by preventing bile (and bilirubin) from draining into the intestines.
Hemolysis, or excessive breakdown of red blood cells, is another common cause. This can be due to genetic conditions like spherocytosis and thalassemia, which increase bilirubin production beyond the liver’s capacity to eliminate it.
Other causes include rare genetic conditions like Gilbert's syndrome and newborn jaundice caused by blood infections (sepsis), viral infections, or blood disorders. Infections, particularly those affecting the liver such as hepatitis A, B, and C, can also lead to jaundice.
Vaccines are available for certain types of hepatitis, which can help prevent liver infections that may lead to jaundice. Regular health check-ups with your healthcare provider can also help catch any liver issues early, potentially preventing jaundice. Routine blood tests can monitor liver function and detect any abnormalities before they lead to jaundice.
In newborns, jaundice is often physiological and harmless, but it can also indicate more serious issues, such as hemolytic disease of the newborn. For newborns diagnosed with jaundice, particularly neonatal jaundice, phototherapy is a common treatment that involves placing the baby under special lights to help break down bilirubin in the skin.
When to seek medical attention is crucial if you or someone you know exhibits symptoms of jaundice. These include yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, pale stools, itching, fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, and more. Regular lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity, can help mitigate the risk of jaundice.
In some cases, a liver biopsy may be required to determine the underlying cause of jaundice. This procedure involves taking a small sample of liver tissue for analysis. Limit alcohol consumption, as excessive alcohol intake can lead to liver damage and increase the risk of jaundice. The CDC recommends no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.
Understanding the causes of jaundice is essential for effective management and treatment. Early diagnosis of the underlying condition is crucial, especially if jaundice is recurrent or accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal swelling, confusion, or bleeding tendencies.
Science plays a significant role in understanding medical-conditions like jaundice, as it helps identify the causes and potential treatments. For instance, jaundice can be caused by various factors such as liver diseases, bile duct obstructions, hemolysis, genetic conditions, infections, or blood disorders, which disrupt health-and-wellness by impairing bilirubin metabolism and elimination.
