Jaundice Quiz

Understanding Jaundice: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Jaundice, also known as icterus, is not a disease itself but rather a visible sign of an underlying medical condition. It is characterized by the yellowing of the skin, the whites of the eyes (sclera), and mucous membranes. This yellow discoloration is caused by a high level of bilirubin, a yellow-orange bile pigment, in the blood.

What is Jaundice? The Role of Bilirubin

Bilirubin is a waste product formed from the breakdown of old red blood cells in the body. The liver is responsible for processing bilirubin, making it water-soluble, and excreting it into bile, which then passes through the intestines. Jaundice occurs when this process is disrupted, leading to a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream.

Types of Jaundice Explained

Jaundice is generally classified into three types based on where the disruption occurs in the bilirubin processing pathway:

• Pre-hepatic Jaundice: This type is caused by conditions that increase the rate of red blood cell breakdown (hemolysis), overwhelming the liver’s ability to process bilirubin. Examples include sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and spherocytosis.
• Hepatic (or Hepatocellular) Jaundice: This occurs when the liver itself is damaged and cannot properly process and excrete bilirubin. Common causes include viral hepatitis (A, B, C), alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, and drug-induced liver injury.
• Post-hepatic (or Obstructive) Jaundice: This type results from a blockage in the bile ducts, which prevents bile (containing processed bilirubin) from draining into the intestines. The blockage can be caused by gallstones, tumors (e.g., pancreatic cancer), or biliary strictures.

Common Symptoms and Signs

Besides the hallmark yellowing of the skin and eyes, other symptoms may accompany jaundice depending on the underlying cause. These can include:

1. Dark-colored urine (bilirubinuria)
2. Pale or clay-colored stools (acholic stools)
3. Itchy skin (pruritus)
4. Fatigue and weakness
5. Abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right quadrant
6. Fever, nausea, and vomiting

Diagnosing the Cause of Jaundice

A doctor will diagnose the cause of jaundice through a combination of a physical exam, patient history, and various tests. Key diagnostic tools include blood tests to measure levels of conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin, liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), and a complete blood count. Imaging studies like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI are often used to visualize the liver and bile ducts to check for blockages or abnormalities.

Jaundice in Newborns (Neonatal Jaundice)

Jaundice is very common in newborns, typically appearing within the first week of life. Physiologic jaundice occurs because a baby’s liver is not yet mature enough to remove bilirubin effectively. This type is usually harmless and resolves on its own. However, high levels of bilirubin can be toxic to a baby’s brain, a condition called kernicterus. Therefore, newborns are carefully monitored, and if bilirubin levels are too high, they may be treated with phototherapy.

The information provided in this section is for general knowledge and educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.