Jaundice, Adult

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Although newborns are the most frequent victims, adults also get jaundice, a yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Jaundice is not a disease in itself. Usually it signals some type of liver damage---such as hepatitis (an inflammation of the liver) or cirrhosis (a slow deterioration of the liver)---or an obstruction in the ducts that drain bile from the liver.

Causes

The yellowish tinge of jaundice is the result of a build-up in the blood of a substance called bilirubin. Bilirubin is a byproduct of the body's ongoing effort to refresh the blood supply. During this process, old and damaged red blood cells are removed from circulation by the spleen, where they are broken down into waste products and returned to the bloodstream for elimination. The hemoglobin in the red blood cells becomes bilirubin, which is then filtered from the bloodstream by the liver and discarded in the bile that drains from the liver into the intestinal tract. Any malfunction that interrupts this process can lead to the build-up of bilirubin that ends in jaundice.

For example, a bile duct obstruction or blockage, typically caused by either a tumor or gallstones, will prevent bilirubin from being flushed out into the intestines. Drugs that sometimes tend to inhibit liver function, such as anti-cancer medications, antidepressants, and steroids, can also cause a bilirubin build-up. Anemia in which many red blood cells are destroyed and too much bilirubin is released into the system may bring on jaundice if the liver proves unable to dispose of the bilirubin fast enough. In some cases, jaundice is a result of Gilbert's Syndrome, a harmless, inherited deficiency in the liver's ability to process bilirubin.

Signs/Symptoms

Telltale signs include yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, a dark, tea-colored tinge to the urine, and pale or whitish stools. Depending on the underlying cause, you may experience other symptoms. For example, if hepatitis is at fault, you may also suffer from a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

Care

The onset of jaundice always requires medical attention, so seek the care of a physician as soon as symptoms appear. The doctor will conduct various tests and procedures, including a blood test and perhaps an ultrasound examination of the abdomen, to confirm the diagnosis and explore related problems.

Once the underlying cause has been diagnosed and treated, the jaundice will disappear. A condition such as hepatitis will require medication, and perhaps a hospital stay depending upon the severity of the condition. If a blockage is at fault, surgery will probably be required to reopen the obstructed bile duct.

Risks

The amount of risk this condition presents depends upon its underlying cause. However, any type of liver malfunction should be taken seriously. If left untreated, it could lead to liver failure.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Call Your Doctor If...

• You notice any signs of jaundice.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• You begin experiencing intense abdominal pain.
• You develop a fever.