understanding-jaundice-symptoms-causes-when-to-see-specialist
Understanding Jaundice: Symptoms, Causes, and When to See a Specialist
Jaundice is a common yet often misunderstood medical condition that can affect people of all ages, from newborns to adults. Recognisable by the yellowing of the skin and eyes, jaundice is not a disease but a symptom of underlying health issues, most commonly related to liver function. Whether it is a mild case or a sign of something more serious, understanding this condition empowers individuals to take informed steps toward better health.
What Exactly Is Jaundice?
Jaundice happens when a yellow pigment called bilirubin builds up in the blood. Bilirubin is produced when old red blood cells are broken down. Normally, the liver processes this bilirubin and sends it out of the body through bile into the intestines.
If there is a problem at any step of this process – too much bilirubin being produced, the liver not working properly, or a blockage in the bile ducts – bilirubin starts to accumulate. This excess bilirubin deposits in the skin and eyes, causing the characteristic yellow color we call jaundice.
Common Symptoms of Jaundice
The most visible sign of jaundice is yellow discoloration, but several other symptoms often appear along with it. These can vary depending on the underlying cause and how severe the condition is.
General Symptoms in Adults
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes (often noticed first)
- Yellow or golden discoloration of the skin
- Dark, cola-coloured urine
- Pale, clay-coloured or greyish stools
- Fatigue, weakness and low energy
- Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
- Nausea, vomiting or a feeling of indigestion
- Itching of the skin, especially in obstructive jaundice
Symptoms in Newborns and Children
Mild jaundice is common in newborns and can be normal in the first few days of life. However, some warning signs require urgent attention:
- Deep yellow or orange skin, especially on the legs and arms
- Poor feeding or difficulty in sucking
- Excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking the baby
- High-pitched crying, stiffness or arching of the body
- Jaundice appearing in the first 24 hours after birth
Any of these signs should be treated as an emergency. Parents should contact a paediatrician or visit the hospital immediately.
Main Causes of Jaundice
Remember: jaundice is a symptom, not a stand-alone disease. Doctors usually classify causes of jaundice into three broad groups based on where the problem lies in the bilirubin pathway.
1. Pre-Hepatic Causes (Before the Liver)
In these conditions, red blood cells are broken down too quickly, producing more bilirubin than the liver can handle. This is called haemolysis. Causes include:
- Certain inherited blood disorders
- Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
- Some infections and reactions to medicines
2. Hepatic Causes (Inside the Liver)
Here, the liver cells themselves are inflamed or damaged, so they cannot process bilirubin properly. Common reasons are:
- Viral hepatitis (like hepatitis A, B, C and E)
- Alcohol-related liver disease
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Certain medications or toxins
- Autoimmune liver diseases
- Advanced scarring of the liver (cirrhosis)
3. Post-Hepatic Causes (After the Liver)
In these cases, the liver produces bile normally, but there is a blockage or obstruction in the bile ducts that carry bile to the intestines. This is often called obstructive jaundice and can be due to:
- Gallstones blocking the bile duct
- Inflammation or narrowing of bile ducts
- Cysts or tumours of the bile duct, pancreas or gallbladder
- Post-surgical strictures or scarring
Obstructive jaundice commonly presents with intense itching, pale stools and dark urine. It often requires urgent medical evaluation and sometimes procedures to remove the blockage.
When Should You See a Specialist for Jaundice?
Because jaundice can range from harmless to life-threatening, it is safer to let a doctor decide how serious your situation is. Do not rely only on home remedies or internet advice.
Seek Emergency Care Immediately If:
- Jaundice appears suddenly and spreads quickly
- You have high fever with chills and abdominal pain
- You feel very drowsy, confused or disoriented
- You develop severe vomiting or cannot keep fluids down
- Your belly becomes very swollen and painful
- You pass black, tarry or bloody stools
- A newborn baby has deep yellow skin, poor feeding or excessive sleepiness
Book an Early Appointment with a Specialist If:
- Your eyes and skin are mildly yellow but you otherwise feel okay
- Jaundice persists for more than a week in adults
- You have a history of liver disease, hepatitis or heavy alcohol use
- There is a family history of liver problems or biliary disease
- You notice recurrent episodes of yellowing, dark urine or pale stools
Usually, you should first see a physician or gastroenterologist. In complex cases, you may be referred to a hepatologist (liver specialist) for further evaluation and treatment.
How Doctors Diagnose and Treat Jaundice
The aim of treatment is to find and correct the underlying cause of jaundice. This typically involves a combination of tests and step-by-step decisions.
Diagnostic Steps
- History & Physical Examination: Questions about onset, alcohol use, medicines, travel, infections and family history.
- Blood Tests: Bilirubin levels, liver function tests (LFTs), viral markers for hepatitis, blood counts and clotting profile.
- Urine & Stool Tests: To look for bile pigments and other markers.
- Ultrasound Abdomen: To examine the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts.
- Advanced Imaging: CT scan, MRI or MRCP in complex cases.
- Endoscopic or Surgical Procedures: For example, ERCP to remove gallstones from bile ducts if needed.
Treatment Approaches
- Viral Hepatitis: Rest, adequate fluids, nutrition and specific medicines if required.
- Alcohol-Related Liver Disease: Complete alcohol avoidance, nutritional support and close monitoring.
- Obstructive Jaundice: Procedures or surgery to remove gallstones or relieve bile duct blockage.
- Haemolytic Causes: Treating the underlying blood disorder or stopping the offending medicine.
- Newborn Jaundice: Phototherapy or rarely exchange transfusion under specialist care.
Along with hospital-based treatment, supportive care at home – such as medication adherence, diet, rest and monitoring – plays a major role in recovery.
Safe Home Care Tips for Someone with Jaundice
Any home care should always follow a doctor’s advice. However, some general principles help protect the liver and support recovery:
- Drink enough fluids unless advised otherwise.
- Eat small, light meals that are easy to digest.
- Avoid alcohol completely and do not self-medicate with painkillers or herbal mixtures.
- Take prescribed medicines exactly as directed and do not skip follow-up visits.
- Maintain good hygiene and handwashing, especially in infectious hepatitis.
- Watch for any worsening signs – increased yellowing, confusion, swelling or bleeding – and seek help early.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jaundice
Is jaundice contagious?
Jaundice itself is not contagious, but some of the infections that cause jaundice – such as hepatitis A or B – can spread from person to person. Your doctor will guide you on tests, vaccination and infection prevention.
Can adults get jaundice more than once?
Yes. Repeated episodes of jaundice can occur in conditions like chronic hepatitis, gallstones, autoimmune diseases or inherited liver problems. Recurrent jaundice always needs a thorough evaluation.
Does jaundice always mean liver failure?
No. While some serious liver diseases cause jaundice, many cases are due to treatable infections, gallstones or temporary issues. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent progression to liver failure in many situations.
Can diet alone cure jaundice?
A healthy diet supports recovery, but diet alone cannot cure jaundice. The core treatment must target the underlying cause – infection, obstruction, alcohol damage or blood disorders – under medical supervision.