Jaundice is a condition in which the skin or the white part of the eye turns yellow as a result of elevated levels of bilirubin, the main pigment in bile. In medical terms, this condition is seen as a symptom, not a disease. Causes of jaundice, which can occur due to many disorders, may include hepatitis, gallstones and tumors. If left untreated, it can lead to serious problems.
Bilirubin is formed as a result of the destruction of red blood cells. Certain disorders in the functioning of the liver prevent the removal of this substance from the body. Therefore, the substance that enters the bloodstream causes yellowing of the skin, the white part of the eye and mucous membranes.
What Causes Jaundice?
Many diseases and problems can be among the causes of jaundice . However, the main problem is the increase in bilirubin levels in the body. As a result of excess bilirubin production in the body and the inability to remove this substance from the body, this substance mixed into the bloodstream causes jaundice.
In addition, some conditions that cause jaundice are as follows:
- Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C,
- Liver damage after excessive alcohol consumption
- Autoimmune disorders and diseases
- Some rare genetic disorders
- Medicines used
- Gallstones and blockage of bile ducts
- Inflammation (swelling) of the gallbladder
- Gallbladder cancers
- Pancreatic tumor
- Functional disorders of the liver and liver cancer
What are the symptoms of jaundice?
In some cases, jaundice can progress without symptoms, but it can also be detected by chance. The severity of symptoms may vary depending on the underlying causes of jaundice. The symptoms of jaundice can be listed as follows:
- Yellowing of the skin and the white part of the eye
- Dark urine and light stools
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
What are the Types of Jaundice?
The occurrence of jaundice, which can develop due to different causes, is classified under 3 different types.
Hepatocellular Jaundice
It is a type of liver damage. It can occur for different reasons. When the parenchymal cells in the liver are affected by causes such as infection, there is a decrease in the metabolism of the liver. As a result of decreased metabolism, bilirubin cannot be excreted from the body and accumulates in the body. This is the classification of jaundice that can be caused by hepatitis A, B and C viruses. Excessive alcohol consumption or liver cancer can also lead to liver damage.
Hemolytic Jaundice
A condition in which red blood cells in the blood break down faster than normal. In these cases, bilirubin levels rise and the liver cannot cope. Also called hemolysis, this condition can have fatal consequences. It is usually seen in cases of malaria.
Obstructive jaundice
It is a type that occurs due to blockage of the bile ducts. In case of blockages, liver function is impaired and bilirubin begins to accumulate in the liver. Due to this problem, the metabolism of the liver decreases. Obstructive jaundice can occur as a result of many problems that can cause blockage in the bile ducts.
How is jaundice diagnosed?
In case of symptoms and complaints, the individual should go to a doctor and be examined. The diagnosis of jaundice made by specialist doctors can be determined by physical examination, blood test and urine test.
Blood and urine tests look at bilirubin levels in the body. If they are high in the blood and urine, this condition can be diagnosed. The doctor may also carry out studies to examine the person's liver.
In cases where the doctor wants to clarify the diagnosis definitively, imaging techniques such as ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) are among the imaging techniques that can be requested from the person.
How is jaundice treated?
Treatment of jaundice is planned after the underlying cause of jaundice is determined. Although adults generally do not require treatment, treatment applications are made depending on the underlying cause.
If it is seen to be caused by hepatitis, studies are carried out to improve the liver. In cases of bile duct obstruction, the specialist may recommend surgery. In addition, surgical operation can be applied as it can also be seen due to pancreatic cancer.
In addition, if it is seen due to hemolytic (destruction of red blood cells), spleen surgery and folic acid supplementation are performed in sickle cell anemia. Bone marrow replacement surgery and iron supplementation to prevent anemia can be performed in severe cases and when deemed necessary by the specialist.
If biliary obstructions are not treated, the liver can be seriously damaged. Since this can pose a life-threatening risk, treatment should not be delayed and should be carried out.