Red blood cells deliver oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body, while also carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled. Under normal circumstances, red blood cells have a lifespan of about 120 days. At this point, they die off and are replaced with new cells.
For various reasons, red blood cells can sometimes die off sooner than 120 days, before the bone marrow can produce new ones. Also known as hemolytic anaemia, this process can cause a yellowing of the skin and eyes, which is medically known as jaundice.
As red blood cells break down, they release a waste product called bilirubin. In people with hemolytic anaemia, a build up of bilirubin in the body can lead to jaundice. With jaundice, a person may detect a yellowing the skin, the sclera (i.e., the whites of the eyes), and mucous membranes.
Hemolytic anaemia has a wide range of causes. Inherited conditions like sickle cell anaemia, infections, and medications can all play a role. In some people, hemolytic anaemia results from immune system dysfunction that causes attacks on healthy cells.
When symptoms are severe, doctors can provide healthy blood via a transfusion. However, the underlying condition must also be addressed medically. This can entail managing inherited disorders and administering medications and treatments to address infections.
In the event jaundice is caused by autoimmune hemolytic anaemia, corticosteroids or immunosuppressants can manage immune system dysfunction. In some cases, splenectomy may be needed. By removing the spleen, a person can retain more of their red blood cells and avoid anaemia and its health effects.