Jaundice

Overview

Jaundice is the yellowing of the eyes, skin and sometimes the mouth, caused by a build-up of bilirubin in the body. It is not a disease itself but a sign that something is affecting the liver or bile system — or, less often, breaking down red blood cells faster than usual. Because jaundice can indicate a serious problem, it always needs prompt medical assessment rather than home treatment. This page covers jaundice as a symptom; the test counterpart is covered on the Elevated Bilirubin page.

Common symptoms and features

• Yellowing of the white of the eyes — often the first sign.
• Yellowing of the skin and inside the mouth.
• Dark, tea-coloured urine.
• Pale, clay-coloured stools.
• Itching of the skin.
• Tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or fever, depending on the cause.

Common causes

• Viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, B and E) — common causes of acute jaundice.
• Gallstones or bile-duct obstruction blocking the flow of bile.
• Alcohol-related liver disease.
• Medicines or supplements that irritate the liver.
• Advanced liver disease (cirrhosis) and its complications.
• Increased red-cell breakdown (haemolysis) — a non-liver cause.

Evaluation and investigations

Jaundice needs same-day or prompt assessment. Evaluation includes a full liver function test panel with bilirubin (total and direct), a complete blood count, a viral hepatitis screen, and an abdominal ultrasound to look for gallstones or bile-duct obstruction. Further tests are arranged according to the likely cause. The pattern of bilirubin (direct vs indirect) helps distinguish a liver cause from a red-cell-breakdown cause.

Management overview

Management is directed at the cause. Viral hepatitis is mostly supportive with monitoring, with specific treatment for hepatitis B and C where indicated. Gallstones or bile-duct obstruction usually need a procedure or surgical referral. Alcohol-related disease requires alcohol cessation. Medicines that irritate the liver are stopped or substituted. Some causes of jaundice need urgent hospital care.

Warning signs — seek urgent care

• Jaundice with fever, severe abdominal pain or vomiting — urgent.
• Jaundice with confusion, drowsiness or bleeding — emergency.
• Jaundice that comes on quickly or is deepening.
• Pale stools with dark urine and itching.

How we help

Dr. Nayak provides prompt assessment of jaundice, arranges the urgent tests, identifies the cause, and coordinates referral where a procedure or hospital care is needed. Consultations are available in-clinic in Bhubaneswar; new jaundice is best assessed in person.

Related conditions and patient concerns

• Elevated Bilirubin
• Abnormal Liver Function Tests
• Liver-related Abdominal Discomfort
• Digestive Problems
• Fever & Infectious Diseases