Jaundice

Overview

Jaundice, also known as hyperbilirubinemia, is caused by the excess deposition of bilirubin, which cannot be processed by the liver. It causes yellowing of the skin, whites of the eyes and the mucous membranes like the inner parts of the nose and mouth. When there is too much bilirubin in one's blood, the yellow-coloured substance spreads to the tissues surrounding the blood vessels. One must refer to a healthcare professional if they suspect that they have jaundice. Delaying this professional consultation and the subsequent treatment measures shall lead to severe health problems.

What is Jaundice?

Jaundice is developed when excess bilirubin is produced, with the liver not being about to process it into part of the bile. The human body constantly works to break down older blood cells and give birth to newer ones. This breakdown process results in the production of bilirubin. If the liver cannot process the bilirubin or has problems with releasing bile (bilirubin is processed to be a part of it) into the digestive system, jaundice results. This may happen if one’s liver is injured and its functionality is disrupted.

Yellowing of skin and sclera are recognisable symptoms of jaundice. It happens when excess bilirubin leaks into tissues that surround the blood vessels. Other symptoms like fever, chills, tiredness and stomach aches may be triggered.

Types of Jaundice

The symptoms of jaundice may differ ever so slightly depending upon the type of jaundice one is diagnosed with. Here are the types of jaundice classified based on how the liver is able to process the bilirubin:

Pre-hepatic Jaundice

Pre-hepatic jaundice gets its name as it occurs before the blood reaches the liver. In this condition, underlying health problems may impact the process of blood cells breaking down, causing them to flow into the tissues within the body.

Symptoms include yellowing of skin and eyes, fever, stomach pains, feeling of disorientation (confusion), tiredness, etc.

Hepatic Jaundice

Hepatic jaundice occurs when the liver tissues become unable or less able to filter out bilirubin in the blood, causing its overflow. It may happen when one experiences liver failure. Symptoms include the ones from pre-hepatic jaundice and more like a bloody nose, loss of appetite, swelling of legs and abdomen, darkening skin, pain in muscles and joints, etc.

Post-Hepatic Jaundice

Post-hepatic jaundice, also known as obstructive jaundice, results after the bilirubin is filtered out by the liver tissues. However, this bilirubin is unable to get drained into the digestive tract or bile ducts, after which it usually passes out of the body. It may be initiated by a blockage. Symptoms include vomiting, unnaturally dark urine colour, pale stools, stomach aches and swelling, unintentional weight loss, diarrhoea, itching of the skin, etc.

Symptoms of Jaundice

The most common symptoms of this disease include the yellowing of the skin, the insides of the mouth and the white parts of the eyes known as sclera. Other than that, affected individuals may experience acute stomach pain, swelling and discomfort, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, skin itching or pruritus and weakness in general. Dark-coloured urine or pale-looking stools are also signs of jaundice. A lot of people experience high fever to the point of getting chills, and also being driven into a state of disorientation and confusion.

Causes of Jaundice

Causes of jaundice include viral infections of the liver including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D and hepatitis E. The infection may also be caused by a parasite. Secondly, certain drugs may lead to jaundice in some people. Poisonous mushrooms have also been known to trigger the disease.

Some disorders or defects present since birth may make it difficult for the body to break down blood cells. Such disorders include Dubin-Johnson syndrome, Gilbert syndrome, Crigler-Najjar syndrome or Rotor syndrome.

Other causes include steatohepatitis (chronic liver disorders), gallstones/gallbladder defects, blood disorders, pancreas cancer, liver cirrhosis, and excess build-up of bile in the gallbladder (resulting from the pressure in the stomach region during pregnancy).

Jaundice Diagnosis and Tests

The level of bilirubin in the blood is usually equal to the severity of jaundice. So, the diagnosis includes tests to determine the same. Based on this analysis, a treatment regimen is prescribed.

Bilirubin levels are measured through a physical exam, lab tests of the blood sample of an affected individual, and a skin test using a transcutaneous bilirubinometer device (records the measurements of a special type of light shone through an individual's skin).

A urinalysis (detects substances in urines), a HIDA scan (to detect blockages in the bile ducts, liver, gallbladder or small intestine), and imaging tests (MRI or ultrasounds) may also be necessary. The healthcare professionals will prescribe other blood or urine tests in certain cases.

Treatment of Jaundice

Jaundice does not have a specific, dedicated treatment regimen. However, the causes or symptoms of jaundice can be managed. This will, in turn, help eliminate the condition overall. For example, if one is experiencing stomach pains or itchiness of the skin, medication will be prescribed to reduce the irritation from such complications. Other than that, drinking enough fluids and getting proper amounts of rest should help.

Preventive Measures for Jaundice

Preventative measures for jaundice cannot be stated as hard and fast rules, as the disease results from various underlying conditions. However, one can take preventive measures to avoid such underlying conditions. For example, a lot of people have jaundice due to a failing kidney. Refraining from alcoholic beverages can help avoid kidney failure. Proper levels of hygiene and safe intercourse practices are recommended to steer clear of risks associated with hepatitis infections.

Myths and Facts Related to Jaundice

Find some popular myths associated with jaundice below and the alternative facts to prove them wrong:

Myth 1: Jaundice Can be Spread from One Person to Another
Fact: Jaundice alone, cannot be spread from one person to another. However, the underlying medical conditions (like hepatitis A, B, and C) causing jaundice may be contagious to certain degrees.

Myth 2: Jaundice is Caused From Eating Too Much Junk Food
Fact: Jaundice is not caused by the consumption of too much junk food. It is caused due to the production of excess bilirubin that cannot be processed by the liver.

Myth 3: People With Jaundice Can Only Indulge in Boiled Food
Fact: While it is strongly recommended to maintain a proper, nutritious diet – only eating boiled foods should not be the case. One can indulge in foods that are low in fat, moderate in terms of protein and high in carbohydrates.