We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Conditions

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Jaundice?

By R. Kayne
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 36,361
Share

Jaundice is a condition easily recognized by its symptoms of yellowed skin and sclera (the whites of the eyes), due to an accumulation of bilirubin in the body. It is not dangerous in itself but can indicate potentially serious underlying conditions that should be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional.

Red blood cells live about 120 days, then die and are flushed through the body. In this process, bilirubin is produced when the hemoglobin of red blood cells is broken down in the spleen, then carried to the liver by albumin in the blood. Here, most of the substance combines with glucuronide to form conjugated or direct bilirubin, which then is absorbed in bile and excreted in the feces. If a disorder prevents this process from completing itself, the yellow-colored bilirubin builds up in the system until it becomes noticeable in the mucous membranes and skin.

Knowing how bilirubin is processed, the causes for accumulation can be narrowed to one of three key possibilities, which create the three basic classes of jaundice:

  • Pre-hepatic or hemolytic: Too many red blood cells are broken down.
  • Hepatic: Liver does not process the bilirubin correctly.
  • Post-hepatic or extrahepatic: Bile is unable to pass properly.

Pre-hepatic (hemolytic) jaundice is caused by any condition or disease that accelerates the breakdown of red blood cells. Malaria is one example, and certain genetic deficiencies can create the conditions that lead to this condition, as can anemia.

The causes of hepatic jaundice range from acute viral hepatitis to liver disease resulting from alcoholism. Neonatal jaundice, common in newborns, is usually brief, lasting only a week or so, and is thought to be a result of the still-developing physiology. Though it is usually harmless and in most cases passes on its own, any infant displaying the signs should be seen by a pediatrician. In newborns, the liver sometimes requires a week or so to work properly, and although the resulting yellow color is not due to disease, it is still considered hepatic because liver function is at the root of the condition.

Post-hepatic (obstructive) jaundice occurs when bile cannot drain properly to the feces. Gallstones obstructing the bile duct, other ductal obstructions and certain cancers can cause this condition, which is also marked by pale stools lacking the normal pigment contained in bile.

Anyone with yellow skin or eyes should seek medical attention so that the underlying condition can be diagnosed and treated.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon152247 — On Feb 13, 2011

I notice my skin goes yellowy after I have been on a night out and been drinking alcohol. Is this something I should worry about?

By anon122644 — On Oct 28, 2010

can you get infected if someone has jaundice and you eat from the same plate?

By BoatHugger — On Jul 17, 2010

@wesley91: Typically, our liver produces a liter of bile each day. The bile is secreted into the bile duct and then to the gallbladder. When we eat, the bile empties into the duct system and then the upper intestine. This is what aids in food digestion. If there is a blockage anywhere in the bile duct system, a backup of bile juices forms. That then overflows into the blood and raises the bilirubin in the blood. This causes obstructive jaundice.

By wesley91 — On Jul 17, 2010

@Dinoleash: I read where your post said that a CT scan can diagnose obstructive jaundice. What exactly is obstructive jaundice?

By DinoLeash — On Jul 17, 2010

@anon10388: Other than the outward symptoms of jaundice, there are tests that can be performed to see if you actually have it. A blood test can be done to check your bilirubin level. A raised bilirubin level is a sign of jaundice. You can also get an ultrasound done to check your liver and bile ducts for any sign of obstruction. A CT scan can also help diagnose obstructive jaundice.

By anon10388 — On Mar 26, 2008

how do i know that i have jaundice?

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-jaundice.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.