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Jaundice is a yellow color in the skin, mucus membranes, or eyes. The yellow color comes from bilirubin, a byproduct of old red blood cells. Jaundice is a sign of other diseases.
This article discusses the possible causes of jaundice in children and adults. For information on jaundice in very young infants, see: Newborn jaundice
Alternative NamesCauses of jaundice
InformationCommon causes of jaundice in older children and adults include:
- Viral infection of the liver (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E)
- Parasite infection of the liver
- Gallstones
- Cancer of the pancreas
Other causes of jaundice include:
- Cancer of the pancreas
- Disorders present since birth that makes it hard for the body to breakdown bilirubin (such as Gilbert syndrome, Dubin-Johnson syndrome, Rotor syndrome, or Crigler-Najjar syndrome)
- Eating poisonous mushrooms or other poisons
- Immune disorder that mistakenly attacks healthy liver tissue (autoimmune hepatitis)
- Liver damage caused by reduced oxygen or blood flow to the liver
- The body destroys too many blood cells and the liver cannot handle them (hemolytic anemia)
- Use of certain drugs, including an overdose of acetaminophen
Gallbladder and bile duct disorders that can cause jaundice include:
- Blocked or narrowed bile ducts (by infection, tumor, stricture, or gallstones)
- Primary biliary cirrhosis
- Bile build up in the gallbladder because of pressure in the belly area during pregnancy (jaundice of pregnancy)
See also:
ReferencesLidofsky SD. Jaundice. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 20.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 04/17/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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What is Prevalence of jaundice?
Outcome depends on the cause. As the underlying condition improves, the jaundice will usually disappear. Individuals with jaundice secondary to cirrhosis may develop kidney (chronic renal) or liver failure. Individuals with jaundice secondary to acute viral hepatitis may develop chronic active hepatitis.
Is there any harmful effect of Hepatitis B?
The acute illness causes liver inflammation, vomiting, jaundice and rarely, death. Chronic hepatitis B may eventually cause cirrhosis and liver cancer.
What are the actual problems of cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis leads to significant liver dysfunction, resulting in complications such as portal hypertension, which can cause variceal bleeding and ascites. Patients may also experience liver failure, characterized by jaundice, coagulopathy, and encephalopathy, which can be life-threatening. Additionally, cirrhosis increases the risk of liver cancer and can complicate the management of other health conditions. Overall, the progressive nature of cirrhosis severely affects the quality of life and can lead to critical health crises.
What causes high bilirubin can it be drink?
Cirrhosis may cause normal, moderately high or high levels of bilirubin, depending on exact features of the cirrhosis. Excessive consumption of alcohol is the most common cause of cirrhosis.
What causes pigment cirrhosis?
Disorders like the inability to metabolize iron and similar disorders may cause pigment cirrhosis
Symptoms of cirrhosis or liver disease?
What are the symptoms and signs of cirrhosis? Patients with cirrhosis may have few or no symptoms and signs of liver disease. Some of the symptoms may be nonspecific, that is, they don't suggest that the liver is their cause. Some of the more common symptoms and signs of cirrhosis include: * Yellowing of the skin (jaundice) due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood * Fatigue * Weakness * Loss of appetite * Itching * Easy bruising from decreased production of blood clotting factors by the diseased liver.
How is cirrhosis impacted daily living?
cirrhosis is an irreversible diseases that may have affect or impact a person's dialy living by lessen the chances of being with other because of feeling not well.
What are the long term effects of Jaundice?
Itching, yellow-tinged skin, if not cured, can cause death.
Why does ice not feel cold when you have cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis can damage nerve endings, which may affect the perception of temperature. This can cause ice not to feel as cold as it normally would.
Does cirrhosis of liver run in families?
Cirrhosis of the liver can have a genetic component, as some inherited liver diseases, such as hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease, can increase the risk of developing cirrhosis. Additionally, family history of liver diseases or conditions that contribute to liver damage, like alcohol use disorder or viral hepatitis, can also play a role. However, cirrhosis itself is not directly inherited; rather, the underlying causes may be. Lifestyle factors and environmental influences are also significant contributors to the development of cirrhosis.
High levels of billirubin in the blood stream can result in?
jaundice the normal serum bilirubin level is 0.5 to 1.5mg%. jaundice occurs when the bilirubin level exceeds 2mg%. the increased blood level of bilirubin is called hyperbilirubinemia. excess bilirubin from blood diffuses into the tissues, skin and mucous membrane, colouring them yellow. this condition caused by overflow of bilirubin is called jaundice.
Can jaundice make you feel dizzy?
Jaundice itself does not directly cause dizziness, but the underlying conditions that lead to jaundice, such as liver disease or anemia, can result in symptoms like dizziness. Additionally, if jaundice is associated with significant fatigue or weakness, this may contribute to feelings of lightheadedness. It's important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause of both jaundice and any accompanying symptoms.
