Jaundice
Jaundice is a common sign of liver disease, appearing as a yellowish tint in the eyes and urine. It is confirmed through a liver function test (LFT), which is a blood test.
Causes of Jaundice:
Jaundice can occur due to two main types of bilirubin buildup:
- unconjugated
- conjugated hyperbilirubinemia
Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia may result from:
- Hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells)
- Gilbert’s syndrome (a mild inherited condition)
Conjugated hyperbilirubinemia happens due to liver diseases, which are usually caused by either inflammation of the liver or blockage in the bile ducts.
Liver inflammation may occur in:
- Hepatitis A, B, C, or E infections
- Alcoholic hepatitis
- Wilson’s disease (excess copper buildup in the liver)
- Hemochromatosis (excess iron accumulation)
- Autoimmune hepatitis (immune system attacks the liver)
Blockage in the bile ducts may result from:
- Gallstones in the common bile duct (CBD)
- Tumors in the gallbladder, pancreas, or CBD that obstruct bile flow
- Worm infestation in the CBD
- Enlarged lymph nodes pressing on the bile duct
- Diagnostic Tests
To identify the exact cause of jaundice, doctors may recommend:
- LFT (Liver Function Test)
- Viral markers
- Ultrasound (USG) of the abdomen
- CECT Abdomen or MRCP (advanced imaging tests for detailed liver and bile duct evaluation)
Jaundice Treatment:
Treatment for jaundice focuses on addressing the underlying cause:
- Antiviral medicines for viral hepatitis
- Avoiding alcohol in alcohol-related liver disease
- Steroids for autoimmune hepatitis
- Copper or iron chelation therapy for Wilson’s disease and hemochromatosis
ERCP procedure to remove stones or place a stent to relieve bile duct blockage caused by tumors.