Medical

And

Health Hub

Empowering Health, Inspiring Wellness
Login/Register
Health Facility Login
Online Shop/Store/Order
Select Language

Tables of Content

Jaundice: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Post Updated Date: 2 months ago

Overview

Jaundice, characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes, is a sign of various health conditions. This guide explores its anatomy, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and complications, enriched with expert insights and evidence-based information.

Introduction

Jaundice, also referred to as icterus, is the yellow discoloration of the skin, sclera, and mucous membranes caused by elevated bilirubin levels in the blood. It serves as a vital indicator of liver health or systemic disorders.

Additional Insight:

  • Global Impact: Neonatal jaundice is a significant contributor to infant morbidity in low-resource settings.
  • Significance: Jaundice often prompts early medical intervention, reducing the risk of severe complications.

Anatomy and Physiology Related to Jaundice
The liver, bile ducts, and blood cells play a pivotal role in bilirubin metabolism.

Key Additions:

  • Role of Hemoglobin Metabolism: The breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells produces unconjugated bilirubin, which must be processed by the liver.
  • Bile Secretion Pathway: Understanding how bile travels through the bile ducts to the intestines provides insight into obstructive jaundice.

Causes

Causes and Classification of Jaundice

a. Pre-Hepatic Jaundice:

  • Common causes: Hemolytic anemia, malaria, and sickle cell anemia.

b. Hepatic Jaundice:

  • Results from direct liver damage, such as cirrhosis or viral hepatitis.
  • New Insight: Includes autoimmune hepatitis as a lesser-known cause.

c. Post-Hepatic Jaundice:

  • Obstructions in bile ducts due to gallstones or tumors are common.

d. Drug-Induced Jaundice:

  • Overuse of medications like paracetamol, statins, and isoniazid can lead to liver damage and jaundice.

e. Genetic Causes:

  • Gilbert’s Syndrome: A mild, inherited disorder affecting bilirubin processing.
  • Crigler-Najjar Syndrome* A rare genetic condition leading to severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms

a. Common Symptoms:

  • Yellowing of skin and eyes.
  • Dark urine and pale stools.

b. Additional Symptoms:

  • Chronic Jaundice Signs: Weight loss, abdominal swelling, and cognitive changes.
  • Acute Liver Failure Indicators: Confusion, bleeding disorders, and rapid-onset jaundice.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Jaundice

a. Standard Diagnostic Approaches:

  • Liver function tests (LFTs).
  • Serum bilirubin levels.

b. Advanced Diagnostics:

  • Genetic Testing: For hereditary conditions like Gilbert’s syndrome.
  • Liver Biopsy: To assess liver tissue for damage or disease.
  • CT Scan or MRCP: Non-invasive methods to detect bile duct obstructions.

Treatment and Management

a. Standard Medical Treatment:

  • Addressing infections with antivirals or antibiotics.
  • Treating liver inflammation with corticosteroids for autoimmune hepatitis.

b. Advanced Approaches:

  • Phototherapy: For neonatal jaundice to convert bilirubin into a water-soluble form.
  • Chelation Therapy: Used for metal-related toxicity in conditions like Wilson’s disease.

Prognosis

Prognosis and Quality of Life
Prognosis largely depends on the underlying cause and timeliness of intervention. With proper management, many individuals recover fully, but chronic cases require lifestyle modifications for long-term health.

Complications

a. Short-Term Complications:

  • Severe itching (pruritus).
  • Acute kidney injury due to bilirubin toxicity.

b. Long-Term Complications:

  • Chronic Liver Diseases: Cirrhosis and portal hypertension.
  • Biliary Cirrhosis: Prolonged bile duct obstruction causing irreversible damage.

Preventions

a. Key Measures:

  • Vaccination against hepatitis A and B.
  • Avoiding hepatotoxic medications unless prescribed.

b. Expanded Prevention Strategies:

  • Regular Screenings: For individuals with known liver diseases or genetic predispositions.
  • Dietary Modifications: Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, to support liver health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can jaundice recur after treatment?

  • Yes, especially if the underlying cause isn’t fully resolved or managed, such as chronic liver disease or gallstone recurrence.

2. Are herbal remedies effective for jaundice?

  • While some herbal remedies may support liver health, they should not replace standard medical treatments. Always consult a doctor.

3. Is jaundice life-threatening?

  • It can be, if left untreated, especially in cases of severe liver dysfunction or obstructive jaundice.

4. How long does it take for jaundice to resolve?

  • The duration varies depending on the cause, ranging from a few days to several weeks or months in chronic cases.

5. Does diet play a role in jaundice recovery?

  • Yes, a liver-friendly diet low in fats and toxins can support recovery. Include fruits, vegetables, and adequate hydration.

Reference

Share Feedback

Share With

Recent Article and Blogs

Hypertension
Nepalese National Formulary (NNF)- Your Guide to Rational Medicine Use
Father’s of Medical Sciences
Father’s of Medical Sciences

Featured

Obesity: Causes, Risks, Diagnosis, and Management
Nausea: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Guide
Measles: Causes, Symptoms, Management & Prevention
Malnutrition: Causes, Effects, and Solutions for Global Health

Realted Links

Obesity: Causes, Risks, Diagnosis, and Management

Nausea: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Guide

Measles: Causes, Symptoms, Management & Prevention

Malnutrition: Causes, Effects, and Solutions for Global Health

Labyrinthitis

Kallmann Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

H1N1 Influenza: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Fabry Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management

E. coli Infection

Diabetes Mellitus

Candidiasis: A Comprehensive Guide on Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

error: Content is protected !!
Login/Register