In jaundice, the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes turn yellow due to an elevated quantity of bilirubin, a yellow-orange bile pigment. There are numerous causes of jaundice, including hepatitis, gallstones, and malignancies. Jaundice in adults typically does not require treatment.
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OVERVIEW
What is bilirubin?
Jaundice yellows the skin, sclera, and mucous membranes. Bile contains bilirubin, a yellow-orange pigment. Bile is a fluid that the liver secretes. Bilirubin is produced when red blood cells are broken down.
Why does jaundice occur?
A malfunction in any of the three steps of bilirubin generation can result in jaundice.
Prior to the synthesis of bilirubin, you may have unconjugated jaundice because of a rise in bilirubin levels produced by:
- Reabsorption of a large hematoma (a collection of clotted or partially clotted blood under the skin).
- Hemolytic anemic disorders (blood cells are destroyed and removed from the bloodstream before their normal lifespan is over).
Viruses, including Hepatitis A, chronic Hepatitis B and C, and Epstein-Barr virus infection, can trigger the generation of bilirubin, which can result in jaundice (infectious mononucleosis).
- Alcohol.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Rare genetic metabolic abnormalities.
- Pharmaceuticals, such as acetaminophen toxicity, penicillins, oral contraceptives, chlorpromazine (Thorazine®), and estrogenic or anabolic steroids.
After bilirubin is created, obstruction (blockage) of the bile ducts may result in jaundice.
- Gallstones.
- Inflammation of the gallbladder (swelling).
- Gallbladder cancer.
- Pancreatic tumor.
What are the jaundice symptoms?
A person without jaundice symptoms may be misdiagnose. The intensity of symptoms relies on the underlying reasons and the rate of disease progression.
Short-term jaundice, usually induced by an infection, may cause these symptoms and signs:
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Abdominal pain.
- Flu-like symptoms.
- Variation in skin tone
- Urine and/or feces with a clay-like appearance.
If jaundice is not caused by an illness, you may have weight loss or skin itchiness (pruritus). Pancreatic or biliary malignancies are the cause of jaundice, the most common symptom is abdominal pain. Jaundice associated with liver illness may occur if you have: • Chronic hepatitis or inflammation of the liver.
- Pyoderma gangrenosum (a type of skin disease).
- Hepatitis A, B, or C acute.
Multiple arthralgias (inflammation of the joints).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS
How can one diagnose jaundice?
Doctors detect jaundice by examining the following indicators of liver disease:
- Blemishes on the skin
- Spider angiomas (abnormal collection of blood vessels near the surface of the skin).
- Palmar redness (red coloration of the palms and fingertips).
The presence of bilirubin in a patient’s urine indicates that he or she has conjugated jaundice. Serum tests must confirm urinalysis results. Serum analysis includes CBC and bilirubin levels.
In addition, your doctor will examine your liver to evaluate its size and soreness. He or she may use imaging (ultrasound and computerized tomography (CT) scanning) and liver biopsy (obtaining a liver sample) to confirm the diagnosis.
Administration and treatment
How do you treat jaundice?
Adults typically do not require treatment for jaundice (the condition is more severe in infants). Jaundice’s causes and complications are treatable. For instance, if itching is bothersome, cholestyramine (Questran®) may provide relief.
Does jaundice treatment have what risks?
- Constipation.
- Bloating.
- Abdominal discomfort.
- Gas.
- Upset stomach.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
PREVENTION
Can bilirubin be prevented?
As there are numerous causes of jaundice, it is difficult to provide particular preventative actions. · Avoid hepatitis infection as much as possible.
- Remain within the prescribed alcohol limits.
- Maintain a healthy body mass index.
- Control your cholesterol levels.
How likely are you to acquire jaundice?
Middle-aged women and men produce the most bilirubin. Those with hepatitis and excessive alcohol consumption are also at increased risk.
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