What Is Jaundice? Symptoms, Types, and Treatment Explained

Jaundice is a medical condition that causes a yellowish discolouration of the skin, mucous membranes and whites of the eyes due to an excess of bilirubin in the blood. It is not a disease in its own right, but a symptom of an underlying problem affecting the liver, red blood cells or bile ducts. 

Jaundice can occur in people of all ages, including newborns, and its severity depends on the underlying cause. Understanding the symptoms, types, causes and available treatments is essential for proper treatment and care. 

What Is Jaundice? 

Jaundice occurs when excessive amounts of bilirubin accumulate in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. 

Under normal circumstances, the liver processes bilirubin and excretes it via the bile into the intestine, where it is eliminated from the body. However, if this process is disrupted due to liver dysfunction, excessive breakdown of red blood cells or a blockage in the bile ducts, bilirubin accumulates in the body and leads to jaundice. 

Symptoms of Jaundice in Adults

The symptoms of jaundice depend on the underlying cause and severity. In mild cases, symptoms may be limited to a yellowish colouration of the skin and eyes, while severe cases can lead to complications affecting multiple organs. 

Common Symptoms

• Yellow colouration of the skin and eyes 
• Dark coloured urine 
• Pale or clay-coloured stools 
• Tiredness 
• Itching (pruritus) 
• Abdominal discomfort 

Severe Symptoms 

• Unintentional weight loss 
• Severe abdominal pain 
• Fever and chills (indicative of infection) 
• Confusion or altered mental state 
• Swelling in the legs and abdomen (due to liver failure) 
• Vomiting or nausea 

Types of Jaundice 

Type: Pre-Hepatic 

Where It Occurs: Before the liver 

What Happens: Excessive breakdown of red blood cells causes bilirubin buildup. 

Type: Hepatic Jaundice 

Where It Occurs: Within the liver 

What Happens: The liver is unable to process bilirubin properly due to disease or injury. 

Type: Post-Hepatic 

Where It Occurs: After the liver (bile ducts) 

What Happens: Bile flow is obstructed, preventing bilirubin from being excreted. 

Jaundice is categorised according to where the problem occurs in the bilirubin metabolism. The three main types are: - 

Prehepatic jaundice 

This type of jaundice occurs when the excessive breakdown of red blood cells leads to an overproduction of bilirubin, which the liver cannot process efficiently. 

Hepatic jaundice 

Hepatic jaundice is caused by liver diseases that impair the liver's ability to process and excrete bilirubin. Diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer can contribute to this form of jaundice. 

Post-hepatic jaundice 

This form of jaundice occurs when an obstruction prevents the outflow of bile from the liver into the intestine. Common causes are gallstones, bile duct obstructions and tumours. 

Causes of Jaundice 

Jaundice can be due to various causes, depending on whether the problem occurs before, in or after the liver. 

Pre-Hepatic Causes 

Causes: Hemolytic anemia 

What It Means: Rapid destruction of red blood cells 

Causes: Malaria 

What It Means: Infection leading to red blood cell destruction 

Causes: Sickle cell disease 

What It Means: Abnormal red blood cell shape leading to breakdown 

Hepatic Causes 

Causes: Hepatitis 

What It Means: Inflammation of the liver due to infection 

Causes: Liver cirrhosis 

What It Means: Scarring of liver tissue, affecting function 

Causes: Alcoholic liver disease 

What It Means: Damage caused by long-term alcohol use 

Post-Hepatic Causes 

Causes: Gallstones 

What It Means: Stones blocking bile flow 

Causes: Pancreatic cancer 

What It Means: Tumour pressing on bile ducts 

Causes: Bile duct strictures 

What It Means: Narrowing of bile ducts due to scarring 

Diagnostic Tests for Jaundice 

Several diagnostic tests are performed to determine the cause, severity and effects of jaundice on the body. These tests help doctors assess liver function, detect blockages, recognise infections and evaluate total bilirubin levels. Some of the tests for jaundice include: - 

Blood Tests 

Blood tests are one of the most important diagnostic tools for assessing jaundice. They measure the total bilirubin level and the direct bilirubin level to determine whether the problem is prehepatic, hepatic or posthepatic. In addition, liver function tests (LFT) measure enzymes such as ALT, AST, ALP and GGT, which can be used to detect liver damage, bile duct obstruction or infections such as hepatitis. 

Imaging Studies 

Imaging procedures such as ultrasound, CT scans and MRI scans are used to examine the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. These examinations can be used to detect gallstones, tumours or structural abnormalities that could obstruct the outflow of bile. MRI-based tests such as MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) provide detailed images of the bile ducts and help diagnose post-hepatic jaundice. 

Urinalysis 

A urine test is performed to determine the presence of bilirubin and other waste products. In a healthy person, bilirubin is not found in the urine, so its presence indicates a problem with the liver or bile ducts. A urinalysis can also help detect infections, dehydration or kidney-related problems that could be associated with jaundice. 

HIDA Scan 

An HIDA scan is a specialised imaging test that can be used to assess the function of the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. A radioactive tracer is injected into the bloodstream, and a scanner tracks its movement through the liver and bile ducts. This test is particularly helpful in diagnosing bile duct obstructions, gallbladder dysfunction or diseases such as cholecystitis. 

Liver Biopsy 

In a liver biopsy, a small sample of liver tissue is taken for microscopic examination. This test is performed if there is a suspicion that liver disease such as cirrhosis or liver cancer is the cause of jaundice. A biopsy helps to determine the severity of liver damage, recognise inflammation or scarring and make treatment decisions for chronic liver diseases. 

Treatment Options for Jaundice 

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of jaundice and may include medical or surgical measures. 

Medical Treatments 

Medical treatment of jaundice involves eliminating the cause and alleviating the symptoms. In the case of jaundice caused by infection, antibiotics or antiviral drugs are prescribed to eliminate the infection and reduce liver inflammation. If the jaundice is due to haemolytic disorders, blood transfusions may be required to control the rapid breakdown of red blood cells.  

Individuals are also advised to make lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol, eating a nutritious diet and drinking plenty of fluids, as these factors promote liver recovery and general well-being. 

Surgical Treatments 

Surgical intervention is required if jaundice is caused by a blockage in the bile ducts or severe liver damage. If gallstones are blocking the flow of bile, a minimally invasive procedure such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be performed to remove them. In cases where the bile ducts are narrowed due to strictures or tumours, surgical correction may be required to restore the normal outflow of bile.   

If jaundice is caused by end-stage liver disease or cirrhosis, a liver transplant is the final option, where the damaged liver is replaced with a healthy donor liver to restore normal function. 

Why Do Newborns Get Jaundice? 

Jaundice in newborns is often due to the immature liver's inability to process bilirubin efficiently. It usually occurs within the first few days after birth and disappears on its own. In severe cases, phototherapy or blood transfusions may be required to prevent complications. 

Jaundice Risks & Other Complications 

If jaundice is left untreated, it can lead to many complications such as: - 

• Chronic liver disease 
• Hepatic encephalopathy (brain dysfunction due to liver failure) 
• Infections of the bile ducts (cholangitis) 
• Organ failure in severe cases 

What is the Diet for Jaundice? 

There are many ways to include foods that support liver health and aid recovery. The recommended foods include: - 

• Fresh fruit and vegetables 
• Wholemeal cereals 
• Plenty of water and herbal teas 
• Avoid fatty, fried and processed foods, as well as alcohol and too much salt 

Why Cadabam's Diagnostics Is Your Trusted Partner for Jaundice Care 

At Cadabam's Diagnostics, we offer comprehensive testing and expert consultations that effectively diagnose. Our advanced and modern imaging techniques, blood tests and liver function tests help you precisely identify the underlying causes. State-of-the-art facilities and experienced medical professionals ensure reliable diagnosis and advice for those seeking clarity about their condition. Imaging techniques, blood tests and liver function tests ensure accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plans.  

With state-of-the-art facilities and experienced medical professionals, quality care and support for those affected by jaundice is guaranteed.