Jaundice is a condition which is followed by by a yellowish discolouration of the skin and the whites of the eyes. It is only a symptom , not a disease by itself.The excess production of bilirubin causes the yellow pigmentation of the skin. Bilirubin is formed by the breakdown of haemoglobin during the destruction of worn-out red blood cells.The pigment is then excreted by the liver into the through the bile ducts.

SYMPTOMS

  • urine becomes yellowish brown in colour
  • stools are almost white and the digestion of fat is consequently impaired
  • pruritis (intense itching) may occur
  • lipid deposits on the skin such as xanthelesmas on the eyelids or xanthomas can develop
  • vomiting, and abdominal pain, malaise, severe weakness etc
  • bleeding, vomiting of blood, accumulation of fluid
  • the development of cirrhosis (due to destruction of the liver cells)
  • yellow eyes of a jaundice victim
Diagnosis of jaundice requires blood tests, which determine whether the liver is diseased, whether the bilirubin is metabolised normally by the liver cells.blood tests also determine any obstruction present.Scans or MRIs may be required.