Jaundice

 

Jaundice is a type of a fever that causes yellow discoloration in the whites of the eye, skin, and mucous membrane. It is caused due to increased level of bilirubin in the blood.

 

 

Causes can be divided into prehepatic, hepatic, and post hepatic.

1. Prehepatic jaundice is caused due to the destruction of the red blood cells that may be caused due to,

a) Malaria

b) Sickle cell crisis

c) Spherocytosis

d) Autoimmune disorders

e) Toxins and other drugs

2. Hepatic jaundice is caused due to impaired function of the liver due to,

a) Hepatitis

b) Cirrhosis

c) Drugs

d) Gilbert’s syndrome

e) Cancer

3. Posthepatic jaundice hinders the normal drainage of the bile in the liver and is caused due to,

a) Gallstones

b) Cancer

c) Congenital malformations

d) Pancreatitis

e) Parasites

f) Pregnancy

g) New born jaundice

 

 

Common symptoms of jaundice include:

1. Yellow skin and the sclera of the eye turn yellow

2. Yellow color inside the mouth

3. Dark colored urine

4. Clay colored stools

5. Swelling of the legs and abdomen

6. Seizures

 

 

1. Your doctor will take a detailed history of the patient’s illness.

2. Urine analysis

3. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, computerized tomography scan (CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

4. Biopsy of the liver

 

 

1. The treatment involves proper management at home with proper rest.

2. Medical treatment with intravenous fluids, medications, antibiotics, or blood transfusions may be required.

3. Phototherapy

4. Blood transfusions to decrease the elevated bilirubin levels