What is jaundice?
Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, or eyes. Jaundice is caused by an excessive accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is produced during the breakdown of red blood cells and is normally excreted through urine and stool. When bilirubin cannot be properly excreted due to an illness, it accumulates in the tissues (Mount Sinai). Jaundice is not a disease in itself, but a symptom caused by another condition that increases bilirubin levels in the blood. This often involves a disease of the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas.
Table of Contents
- What is jaundice?
- Causes of jaundice
- Symptoms of jaundice
- How common is jaundice?
- How is jaundice tested?
- When should I see a doctor for jaundice?
- Treatment of jaundice
What is jaundice?
Jaundice (icterus) refers to the yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and/or eyes caused by an excess of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin (a yellow bile pigment) is produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. If too much bilirubin is produced or it cannot be effectively excreted, the elevated bilirubin level in the blood leads to its accumulation in the tissues. As a result, the skin, mucous membranes, or eyes turn yellow.
Causes of jaundice
Jaundice can occur relatively frequently in newborns. This is because the liver of newborns is often not yet mature enough to fully excrete bilirubin. In most cases, jaundice in newborns is harmless and often disappears after a few days without treatment. In adults, however, jaundice can occur as a result of various illnesses or individual causes:
-
Hemolytic anemia: increased breakdown of red blood cells causes elevated bilirubin levels in the blood
-
Viruses such as hepatitis A, chronic hepatitis B and C, and the Epstein-Barr virus
-
Certain medications
-
Liver disease
-
Problems with the gallbladder or bile ducts
-
Genetic diseases, such as Gilbert’s syndrome
Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2018
Symptoms of jaundice
Yellowing of the whites of the eyes, mucous membranes, and skin is the most common symptom of jaundice. The symptoms that occur may depend on the underlying cause of jaundice, but the most common symptoms are:
Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2018
How common is jaundice?
Jaundice occurs most frequently in newborns. It is estimated to occur in 60% of full-term infants and 80% of premature infants (Assoku, 2022). Jaundice in adults is less common and only occurs as a result of another health issue that increases bilirubin levels in the blood.
How is jaundice tested?
To diagnose jaundice, the level of bilirubin in the blood is measured. This test can be done in a doctor’s office or with a home test. Homed-IQ offers a liver function test that checks the level of bilirubin in the blood along with other important markers of liver function. These include AST and alkaline phosphatase. With a home test, you take a small blood sample yourself and send it to one of our certified laboratories. The test is analyzed there, and you receive your result within a few days.
When should I see a doctor for jaundice?
If your blood test shows a high bilirubin level or you notice a yellow discoloration of the skin or eyes, you should consult your doctor. Further tests are necessary to determine the cause of the jaundice and to initiate appropriate treatment.
Treatment of jaundice
The first step in treating jaundice is to identify the exact cause. Treatment can vary depending on the underlying condition or your health status. Treatment is not always necessary, as jaundice sometimes resolves on its own. However, always consult your doctor.
