Jaundice, also known by its medical name of icterus, is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. The mucus membranes, such as those in the mouth, may also take on a yellow hue in people suffering from jaundice. The condition is caused by a build up of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a substance contained in bile, a liquid produced by the gall bladder which is responsible for removing waste products from the liver and breaking down fats in the small intestine.
Types
There are several types of jaundice, including neonatal jaundice, hepatocellular jaundice, hemolytic jaundice and obstructive jaundice. Neonatal jaundice is common in newborn babies and occurs when the liver is not functioning fully. However, it is not usually a serious condition and and only lasts for a week. The other types of jaundice affect older children and adults. Hepatocellular jaundice is the most common form and is usually a sign of liver failure, hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Cause
Jaundice is a symptom of another condition, such as hepatitis, anemia or cirrhosis of the liver. It may also be caused by a blockage in the the bile ducts, which leads to a build up of bilirubin in the blood and liver. In rare cases, jaundice may be caused by Gilbert's syndrome, an inherited condition that stops enzymes in the body from working properly which in turn affects the body's ability to excrete bile. .
Symptoms
The most obvious symptom of jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin. According to the NHS Choices, skin yellowing is first noticeable on the face and then spreads down the body. The whites of the eyes may also have a yellow tinge. There may be other symptoms, such as fatigue, weight loss and fever.
Diagnosis
A doctor will likely carry out a number of tests to confirm jaundice, establish how severe it is, and to gain an understanding of the underlying cause. If hepatitis is suspected to be the underlying cause of jaundice, a doctor will normally carry out tests for hepatitis types A, B and C, perform a liver function test and do a full blood count. Tests to measure how much bilirubin has been taken up by the liver and much is circulating in the blood may also be performed. If an obstruction in the liver is suspected, an imaging scan may be done in order to determine the liver's structure. A liver biopsy may also be required.
Treatment
Jaundice treatment is largely based on the underlying cause of the condition. If it is caused by anemia, jaundice may be resolved by taking iron supplements, or eating iron-rich foods. If jaundice is caused by hepatitis, anti-viral, or steroid drugs may be prescribed. Cirrhosis, another possible cause of jaundice, cannot be cured but can be treated to stop the disease progressing. If jaundice is caused by an obstruction in the liver, surgery may be required to remove the blockage.
