Understanding Jaundice – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Jaundice is a condition most easily identified by its effect on the skin and the whites of the eyes. Such a coloration results from an excess of bilirubin – a yellow pigment produced by the breakdown of red blood cells – in the blood and bodily tissues.
Jaundice is not a disease but a sign of an underlying problem that may be caused by a liver condition. Signs and symptoms of jaundice vary depending on the cause and may include a yellow to gold coloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes; dark yellow to brown urine; and pale, white, or clay-coloured stools.
In this blog, we will discuss what jaundice is, the causes, symptoms, treatment, and knowing when you should go to the doctor as well as any specific information to adults and infants.
What is Jaundice?
The presence of jaundice signifies a hyperbilirubinaemia, or increased level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that results when red blood cells break down normally. It is typically metabolised by the liver and secreted in the bile. Disruption of this system—whether via overproduction, liver malfunction, or bile obstruction—leads to the accumulation of bilirubin, which results in jaundice.
Jaundice can occur in several forms, such as:
- Haemolytic jaundice: This is as a result of a high rate of red cell destruction.
- Hepatocellular jaundice: Caused by the liver, in diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.
- Obstructive jaundice: There is obstruction to the flow of bilirubin in the bile ducts due commonly to gallstones or tumours.
- Neonatal jaundice: Frequently present in newborns because of underdeveloped liver function, and typically resolves spontaneously.
Jaundice is a symptom, not a disease, and is not a diagnosis in and of itself.
Jaundice Sign and Symptoms
The yellowing of the skin and eyes is the most noticeable symptom of jaundice. But other symptoms that can occur with an elevated bilirubin and liver malfunction include:
- Dark-coloured urine
- Pale or clay-coloured stools
- Itchy skin
- Fatigue or general weakness
- Abdominal pain or swelling
They may show up gradually or suddenly in adults, depending on the trigger. In babies, jaundice typically begins in the face and then moves to the body. Symptoms of severe jaundice include vomiting, confusion, or fever that will need medical attention at once.
What is the Cause for Jaundice?
There are several reasons why there may be an imbalance in bilirubin metabolism that could cause jaundice:
- Liver diseases: Diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer can decrease liver function and a liver’s ability to process bilirubin.
- Bile duct blockage: This is caused by gallstones or tumours in the bile duct or pancreatitis – which block the flow of bilirubin as it leaves the liver.
- Haemolytic anaemia: A condition in which red blood cells break down too quickly, leading to high levels of bilirubin.
- Infections: Red blood cells and liver function can be affected by diseases such as malaria or leptospirosis.
- Genetic conditions: Including Gilbert syndrome that interferes with the processing of bilirubin in the liver.
- Drugs and poisons: Some drugs or alcohol can cause DILI (drug-induced liver injury).
Jaundice is never a good sign in adults and can be a harbinger of life-threatening conditions such as liver failure, autoimmune hepatitis, or cancer. It is important to diagnose properly, in order to find the cause.
Jaundice in Adults: When to Worry
Although mild jaundice can sometimes disappear on its own, there are some warning signs in adults to look for immediately:
- Skin or eyes that are more yellow than normal, increasing or getting worse over time
- Excruciating pain in the abdomen, upper right area in particular
- High fever or chills
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in vomit or stool
People with these symptoms of hepatitis should see a health professional right away. Chronic liver diseases, in contrast, develop over time, and early treatment is important.
Jaundice in Babies: When to Worry
Jaundice in the neonatal period is commonly observed during the first postnatal week and usually benign. But there are some signs that warrant a medical evaluation:
- Yellowness of the skin spread to the arms, thighs, or whole body
- Problems with feeding, or you are worried about your baby’s wellbeing
- Increased crying or fussiness
- Dark urine or pale stools
While most cases of mild jaundice clear up without incident, severe jaundice can be left untreated, resulting in kernicterus (a rare but serious form of brain damage that can be caused by high levels of bilirubin in a baby). If parents are worried, they should talk to their paediatrician.
Jaundice Treatment Options
Jaundice treatment is all about treating the underlying cause:
- Medication: For infections or liver diseases, such as hepatitis.
- Surgery: To get rid of gallstones or tumours that are obstructing the bile duct.
- Phototherapy: Administered in newborns to decrease excess bilirubin within the skin.
- Blood transfusion: Necessary for severe haemolytic anaemia.
- Lifestyle changes: Which include refraining from alcohol, eating a liver support diet, maintaining a healthy weight.
Jaundice is firstly treated through proper diagnosis — blood tests, imaging, and the liver function tests can help discover the cause and guide treatment.
What Disease Causes Jaundice?
Jaundice can be a symptom of numerous disorders, including:
- Hepatitis A, B, or C
- Cirrhosis (scarring) or chronic damage to the liver
- Gallbladder disease
- Pancreatic cancer
- Hereditary defects in haemolysis
And if you show any jaundice symptoms, do not self-diagnose. Again, always defer to a licensed healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.
Conclusion
Jaundice is one of the most outward signs that something is wrong on the inside and should never be ignored—both for adults and babies. While it can sometimes be benign, it can also signal serious liver disease, infection, or even cancer.
Recognising the signs, understanding when to be concerned, and receiving timely treatment are crucial for recovery and long-term health.
If you see jaundice info and symptoms, get in touch with a specialist instantly. For there is no substitute for specialist-led diagnosis and individuated care, Chase Lodge Hospital.
For more information, visit the NHS website on jaundice
