Jaundice
Understanding Jaundice
Jaundice is a medical condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, caused by an excess of bilirubin in the blood. Normally, bilirubin is processed by the liver, transported through bile ducts into the small intestine, and excreted from the body through urine or stool.
Jaundice Symptoms:
Jaundice itself is not a disease but a symptom of various underlying conditions. It manifests as a yellow tint to the skin, mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes. Depending on the cause, symptoms can vary greatly. Some individuals may exhibit few symptoms, while others may experience significant discomfort.
Possible symptoms include:
Light-colored stools
Dark urine
Itchy skin
Nausea and vomiting
Rectal bleeding
Diarrhea
Fever and chills
Weakness
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Mental confusion
Abdominal pain
Headaches
Swollen legs
Abdominal swelling due to fluid buildup (ascites)
Jaundice Causes:
According to the American Family Physician (AAFP), jaundice results from improper processing of bilirubin. Normally, bilirubin levels increase as red blood cells break down, with the liver filtering this waste and converting it to a form that is excreted in stool. When the liver cannot process bilirubin adequately, it leads to hyperbilirubinemia, causing the skin and eyes to turn yellow. This condition often arises from disorders that either produce too much bilirubin or prevent its elimination. Possible causes include:
Certain medications
Gallstones
Excessive alcohol use
Gallbladder or pancreatic cancer
Liver cirrhosis
Hepatitis and other liver infections
Hemolytic anemia
Treatment Options
Mild jaundice in infants usually resolves on its own within a few weeks. For moderate to severe cases, hospitalization might be necessary.
Jaundice Treatments:
Enhanced Nutrition: Increasing feeding frequency or supplementing nutrition can prevent weight loss and ensure the baby gets enough nutrients.
Light Therapy (Phototherapy): Babies are placed under a special blue-green light that alters bilirubin molecules, making it easier for the body to excrete them. During treatment, babies wear protective eye patches and a diaper, and sometimes a light-emitting pad or mattress is used.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg): If jaundice is due to blood type incompatibility between mother and baby, IVIg can reduce antibody levels, decreasing jaundice and the need for an exchange transfusion.
Exchange Transfusion: For severe jaundice unresponsive to other treatments, an exchange transfusion may be necessary. This involves replacing the baby’s blood with donor blood to dilute bilirubin and maternal antibodies, performed in a newborn intensive care unit.
FAQ?
Symptoms include yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, pale stools, and itching.
Diagnosis involves physical examination, blood tests to measure bilirubin levels, liver function tests, and imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, lifestyle changes, treating liver disease, or surgery to remove blockages.