In Jaundice, the skin, the Sclera (white part of the eye), and the mucus membrane turn yellow. Jaundice occurs when the chemical bilirubin, a yellowish bile pigment in the blood, is elevated. Bile is secreted by the liver, which then moves to the intestines. It is formed from the breakdown of the red blood cells. Jaundice in adults clearly indicates problems in the gallbladder, liver, pancreatic tumour, and gallbladder cancer.

Jaundice affects the complexion; here, complexion means the affected person’s skin turns yellow, which takes around 1 to 2 weeks.

The three main types of Jaundice are Pre hepatic, Hepatic, and Posthepatic and they are characterised by where Jaundice within the liver has taken place:-

Pre hepatic:

It happens before the liver can process the waste, resulting in excess bilirubin chemicals production. Pre-hepatic Jaundice is due to hemolytic anaemia, which causes heme breakdown.

Hepatic:

It takes place when the liver is scarred, commonly called cirrhosis making it difficult for the liver to be less effective at filtering out the bilirubin chemical from the blood.

Posthepatic:

It happens after the liver has processed the waste, and the bile duct gets blocked when the bile is not able to process further and therefore leaks into the circulation.

The presence of too much bilirubin in the liver makes it difficult for the liver to process, and this is called hyperbilirubinemia, and it leaves the skin and eyes yellow. The cause of Jaundice can typically be due to any underlying condition, below are some possible causes:-

• Cirrhosis condition
• Gallstones
• Excessive intake of alcohol
• Hepatitis 
• Liver infections 
• Side effects from certain medication

• Yellow skin
• Yellow eyes (whites of the eyes)
• Pale stool
• Itchiness 
• Dark urine
• Abdominal pain 
• Sudden weight loss
• Feeling dizzy
• Vomiting
• Fever

Medical history of the person and a physical exam can help diagnose Jaundice. During the diagnosis, doctors closely examine the abdomen, liver and skin.

Some standard tests might help in the diagnosis of Jaundice:

Bilirubin tests determine the amount of bilirubin in your blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced by the natural disintegration of red blood cells (red blood cells). 

Complete Blood Count (CBC) test helps to measure the red and white blood cells and platelets. This test helps evaluate the overall health and diagnose a wide range of disorders.

Hepatitis A, B and C tests are useful for diagnosing any liver infections.

Doctors may recommend CT scans, ultrasound scans, endoscopy, and X-ray imaging in some cases.

The exact cause of Jaundice will help determine the treatment plan for Jaundice. A healthcare expert may be the best person to visit for the treatment of Jaundice. Jaundice can sometimes damage the liver, and the patient’s case may become severe if left unattended. 

Since Jaundice is a condition related to the functioning of the liver, so taking care of the liver can help in preventing any liver infections or Jaundice.

• Maintain a healthy and nutritious diet 
• Limit consumption of alcohol, smoking and toxic drugs
• Exercise regularly 
• Take necessary vaccinations
• Take only prescribed medications