Most people tend to associate jaundice with newborn babies, but adults can get it as well. Jaundice isn't a disease in itself; it is a sign that there is something wrong with the liver or the gallbladder. Several ailments can cause people to become afflicted with jaundice, but each of these things can be treated by a medical doctor. These ailments can range from simple and treatable to life-threatening. PubMed.com states that as soon as the symptoms of jaundice appear, it is time to get to the doctor.
Yellowing of the Skin and Whites of the Eyes
The reason the skin turns a yellowish color is because of bilirubin. Bilirubin is the byproduct of red blood cells. Our bodies produce fresh red blood cells each day, and bilirubin is what is left when the red blood cells die and are discarded. In healthy bodies, the bilirubin leaves the body through the stool. When the bilirubin builds up, it starts to show on the skin. The New York Times Health Guide brings up the idea of getting a bruise. When the bruise starts to fade, it turns a yellowish color. That is the bilirubin in the blood.
Pale or Whitish Colored Stool
Normal stool is brown colored because of bile salts. When there is an absence of bile salts, the stool will have a pale or whitish color to it.
Urine that Resembles the Color of Tea
When there is bile present in the urine, it takes on a dark, tea-like color.
Intense Itching
Medline Plus states that the intense itching, called pruritus, is caused by the buildup of bile in the body. Itching can be described as an irritating tickling under the skin. The itching that occurs with jaundice usually affects the hands and the feet.
Nausea
Nausea is a feeling in the stomach that can be described as an extremely unpleasant uneasiness that is often followed by vomiting. Nausea can sometimes be relieved by lying down in a cool area. Other times nausea is relieved only by vomiting. Doctors can prescribe medications specifically for nausea.
Fever
A fever is the body's natural way of fighting off infection. When there is an invader in the body, like an infection, the white blood cells spring into action. Because these blood cells are moving rapidly to kill off the infection, the body's temperature rises. Most people take fever-reducing medications to bring the body's temperature back down.
