Symptoms of Jaundice Explained by Renowned Internal Medicine Doctor in Gurgaon

 Overview

Jaundice is a medical condition that indicates an underlying issue with the liver, blood, or bile ducts. Its most noticeable sign is the skin's yellowing and the eyes' whites. This blog post delves into the symptoms of jaundice, its potential causes, and the importance of seeking timely treatment.

What is Jaundice?

Jaundice itself is not a disease but a symptom of various potential health problems. It occurs when there is too much bilirubin (a yellow pigment produced by the breakdown of red blood cells) in the blood. Normal bilirubin levels typically range from 0.1 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for total bilirubin, with direct bilirubin levels between 0.0 to 0.3 mg/dL. These values indicate that the liver is functioning properly and that there is no excessive breakdown of red blood cells. Regularly monitoring these levels is important for assessing liver health and diagnosing potential issues.

Normally, the liver processes bilirubin, which is then excreted from the body. When this process is disrupted, bilirubin accumulates, leading to jaundice.

Jaundice Disease symptoms:

According to the renowned Internal Medicine Doctor in Gurgaon at Miracles Apollo Cradle/Spectra, Identifying the symptoms of jaundice is important for early diagnosis and treatment. Here are the most common jaundice signs and symptoms:

• Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes: The most clear symptom is the yellowish pigment that appears on the skin and the whites of the eyes. This yellowing starts on the face and can spread to other parts of the body as bilirubin levels rise.

• Dark Urine: Even before the yellowing of the skin becomes noticeable, jaundice often causes the urine to turn dark brown or tea-colored. This occurs because excess bilirubin is excreted through the urine.

• Pale-colored Stools: Normal stool color is brown due to the presence of bilirubin. In jaundice, stool can seem pale, clay-colored, or even white if bilirubin is not being processed correctly by the liver.

• Itching: High levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream can lead to severe itching, which can be incredibly distressing for those with chronic jaundice.

• Fatigue and Weakness: Jaundice often accompanies general feelings of fatigue and weakness, reflecting the body's struggle with the underlying condition affecting bilirubin processing.

• Abdominal Pain and Swelling: Pain or swelling in the abdomen can occur, especially if jaundice is caused by liver disease or a blockage in the bile ducts.

• Nausea and Vomiting: Digestive disturbances like nausea and vomiting are common, especially if jaundice is due to hepatitis or another liver-related condition.

• Loss of Appetite: Decreased desire to eat, often leading to weight loss.

Jaundice Causes:

Understanding the underlying causes of jaundice is important for effective treatment. Common diseases that cause jaundice include:

• Liver Diseases: Conditions such as Alcohol-induced hepatitis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer can impair the liver’s ability to process bilirubin.

• Bile Duct Obstruction: Gallstones, tumors, or strictures can block the bile ducts, preventing bilirubin from being excreted properly.

• Hemolytic Anemia: Disorders that cause rapid breakdown of red blood cells, such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia, increase bilirubin levels in the blood.

• Genetic Disorders: Conditions like Gilbert’s syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting bilirubin processing, can lead to jaundice.

Jaundice Diagnosis:

Jaundice is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and specific tests. Here are some common tests used to diagnose jaundice:

1. Physical Examination: The general physician may initially identify jaundice through a physical examination, observing the yellowing of the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes.

2. Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures different components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It can help determine if anemia or other blood disorders are contributing to jaundice.

3. Liver Function Tests (LFTs): These tests assess liver function and may include measurements of enzymes such as ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase), and GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase). Abnormal levels of these enzymes can indicate liver damage or disease, which could be causing the jaundice.

4. Coagulation Studies like PT-FNR, aptt etc

• Total Bilirubin: Measures both unconjugated (indirect) and conjugated (direct) bilirubin.

• Direct Bilirubin: Specifically measures conjugated bilirubin.

5. Imaging Studies: In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be ordered to evaluate the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, or bile ducts to identify any structural abnormalities that could be causing the jaundice.

6. Additional Tests: Depending on the suspected underlying cause of jaundice, additional tests may be ordered such as a viral hepatitis panel (if viral hepatitis is suspected), autoimmune markers (if autoimmune hepatitis is suspected), and tests for genetic conditions such as hemolytic anemia or Gilbert syndrome.

If you suspect jaundice or have symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark urine, or pale stools, Consult a general physician near you for prompt evaluation and appropriate testing.

Jaundice Disease Treatment

The jaundice treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause:

• Medications: Depending on the cause, medications may be prescribed to treat infections, reduce inflammation, or manage symptoms like itching.

• Surgical Interventions: Surgery may be necessary to remove obstructions in the bile ducts or to treat underlying conditions like tumors.

• Lifestyle Changes: For chronic liver conditions, lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol, following a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight are essential.

• Supportive Care: Ensuring adequate hydration, rest, and nutrition can help support overall health and aid in the recovery process.

When to Consult a Doctor?

If you or someone you know shows symptoms of jaundice, it is important to consult a general physician. Early diagnosis and treatment of jaundice can help prevent complications and improve outcomes. A doctor can perform the necessary tests to determine the cause of jaundice and recommend appropriate treatment.

Conclusion:

Jaundice is a visible sign of potentially serious underlying health conditions. Recognizing its symptoms and seeking timely medical care can make a significant difference in managing the condition effectively. If you notice any signs of jaundice, consult with an internal medicine doctor near you at Miracles Healthcare to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. By understanding and addressing the causes of jaundice, you can protect your health and well-being. Stay informed, stay healthy, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.