Jaundice is a medical condition that causes the yellowing of the skin and eyes, often raising concerns about liver health in the sufferer. Jaundice occurs when there is a buildup of bilirubin. This is a yellow pigment that is created when red blood cells break down.
In most cases, the liver processes bilirubin and removes it from the body. If this does not occur, then it is a symptom of an underlying problem, and understanding its causes, risk factors, prevention, and treatment is crucial for treating this liver condition successfully or, at the very least, keeping it under control.
With this in mind, who is most at risk, what are the most common causes of jaundice, what preventative measures are there, and how is jaundice treated?
Jaundice can affect people of all ages, but certain individuals are more susceptible to it than others. Groups that are more prone to jaundice include newborns due to their immature livers.
In this group, jaundice is usually harmless and resolves on its own, but monitoring is essential, especially in premature babies with severely underdeveloped organs. Babies born to mothers with a different blood type may also develop jaundice due to blood type incompatibility.
Individuals with liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or alcoholic liver disease are at an increased risk of jaundice due to damage caused to this organ by these conditions.
Health problems that cause the rapid breakdown of red blood cells, such as the blood disorder haemolytic anaemia, can also lead to jaundice.
Gilbert’s syndrome is a genetic condition that affects the liver’s ability to process bilirubin, making affected individuals prone to mild bouts of jaundice.
One of the liver’s responsibilities is to process bilirubin and excrete it as bile. However, when something disrupts this process, bilirubin levels in the blood rise, resulting in jaundice.
The most common cause of this condition includes viruses, diseases, alcohol abuse, and obstructions, which lead to bilirubin accumulations.
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver and can be caused by viral infections (hepatitis A, B, C, etc.) or other factors like alcohol abuse and certain medications. Hepatitis impairs the liver’s ability to process bilirubin, leading to jaundice.
Conditions affecting the biliary tract, such as gallstones, bile duct obstructions, or cancer, can block the flow of bile, preventing the excretion of bilirubin and causing jaundice.
When red blood cells break down too rapidly, as seen in haemolytic anaemias, more bilirubin is produced than the liver can handle, resulting in jaundice.
Chronic alcohol abuse can damage the liver, impairing its ability to carry out many essential functions, including the processing of bilirubin. Again, this can lead to jaundice.
Some medications can cause jaundice as a side effect. It’s crucial to be aware of this and consult a healthcare provider if suspected medication-related jaundice develops.
While some causes of jaundice, like genetic conditions, cannot be prevented, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of jaundice associated with other factors.
The risk of viral hepatitis can be greatly reduced through vaccinations against hepatitis A and B. If alcohol consumption cannot be avoided, then drinking in moderation lowers the risk of alcoholic liver disease. Maintaining a healthy weight by exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet can promote overall liver health.
The treatment of jaundice depends on its underlying cause and severity. In mild cases, especially in newborns, doctors may recommend monitoring bilirubin levels and observing whether the jaundice resolves on its own.
For severe jaundice, particularly in newborns, phototherapy is often used. This involves exposing the baby’s skin to special blue lights that help break down bilirubin, making it easier for the body to eliminate it.
If an underlying condition, such as hepatitis or a bile duct obstruction, is causing jaundice, the focus should be on treating the condition present. This could involve methods like medications, surgical interventions, or just making efforts to live a healthier life.
In severe cases of haemolysis or blood type incompatibility, a blood transfusion may be necessary to replace the damaged red blood cells, which in turn should reduce bilirubin levels.
If medication is the cause of jaundice, a healthcare provider may adjust or change the medication to alleviate the condition.