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What is jaundice
What is jaundice?
Jaundice is a yellow discolouration of the skin and membranes, often most visible in the eye where the white conjunctiva becomes yellow, due to a pigment called bilirubin which is made in the liver. It‘s normally excreted in the bile, which mixes with the contents of the intestines and is passed out through the gut. In certain instances, levels of bilirubin in the blood rise or the normal passage of bilirubin is blocked and it accumulates in the body, causing jaundice.
Jaundice is common in newborn babies – more than 60 per cent are affected. It’s usually a temporary problem, known as physiological jaundice, which develops a couple of days after birth as a result of immaturity of the body’s system for dealing with bilirubin.
How is jaundice diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made by recognition of the patient’s appearance and accompanying symptoms.
- A blood test will confirm the raised bilirubin level and other tests, such as those for hepatitis and haemolysis, are also done on the blood.
- Ultrasound is a good way to inspect the liver and bile ducts for signs of obstruction and often can give useful information on the pancreas gland.
- CT scanning also helps diagnose obstructive jaundice accurately.
The treatment for jaundice depends on the underlying cause. Treatment for jaundice may include a liver disease diet, antihistamines, vitamin B supplements, medications, and surgery.
Related Resources:
- What are the symptoms of jaundice?
- What Causes Jaundice
- What is yellow jaundice?
- Why do newborn babies get jaundice?
- Is jaundice contagious?
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