Jaundice is a medical condition in which the skin, eyes (sclera), and mucous membranes turn yellow due to increased levels of bilirubin in the blood. It is not a disease itself, but a sign of an underlying liver, blood, or bile duct problem.
What causes Jaundice?
Bilirubin is produced when red blood cells break down. Jaundice occurs when the body cannot properly process or eliminate bilirubin.
1. Pre-hepatic (Before liver)
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Excessive breakdown of red blood cells
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Hemolytic anemia
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Malaria
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Blood transfusion reactions
2. Hepatic (Liver-related)
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Viral hepatitis (A, B, C, E)
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Fatty liver disease
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Alcoholic liver disease
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Cirrhosis
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Drug-induced liver injury
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Liver cancer
3. Post-hepatic (After liver / Obstructive)
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Gallstones
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Bile duct blockage
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Pancreatic cancer
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Tumors or strictures of bile ducts
Symptoms of Jaundice
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Yellowing of skin and eyes 👀
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Dark-colored urine
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Pale or clay-colored stools
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Itching (pruritus)
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Fatigue and weakness
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Loss of appetite
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Nausea or vomiting
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Abdominal pain (in some cases)
Types of Jaundice
Neonatal Jaundice
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Common in newborns
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Usually harmless and temporary
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Requires monitoring and sometimes phototherapy
Adult Jaundice
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Always needs medical evaluation
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Often linked to liver or bile duct disease