Jaundice Of The Liver 

You have most likely heard about a condition called jaundice. This is a medical condition that actually turns the skin a yellowish color. Sclerae is also a sign of jaundice which is the yellowish staining of the whites of the eyes. This discoloration occurs when a chemical called bilirubin is released into the blood. A person with this condition may also itch, sometimes to the point of scratching themselves until they bleed and it may interfere with sleeping. In very severe and rare cases some patients have even committed suicide to stop the itching. 

Red blood cells have a lifespan of about 120 days. Bilirubin actually comes from red blood cells as they age, die and are flushed through the body. When this happens hemoglobin is broken down in the spleen and carried to the liver. Next, it’s combined with glucuronide which forms bilirubin that is absorbed in bile and released in feces. When this process is interrupted the bilirubin builds up in the persons system and changes the color of the skin and whites of the eyes.

Hemoglobin is the chemical found in the red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body. After the iron is removed, bilirubin is left in the blood. A low bilirubin level creates the yellowish color but it becomes more of a brown color as the levels begin to rise.

It’s important to know that jaundice is not a disease. It’s actually a sign or symptom that is caused by another disease. Therefore, the condition of jaundice is not dangerous but it is an indication that you may have a medical condition that could be dangerous. It’s for this reason that it’s recommended you see your health care provider if you have symptoms of jaundice.

What causes jaundice? The most common cause of this condition is liver disease. It can also be caused by certain drugs, a genetic disorder, bile ducts abnormalities and sometimes it can occur during pregnancy. If your health care provider suspects that you have jaundice, then there are several test that you can be given to confirm whether you do or not.

The first step would be to get a complete medical history and give you a physical examination. Some of the tests used include Ultrasonography, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Ultrasound, CT and CAT scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Liver Biopsy.

To treat jaundice your health care provider needs to determine what is causing the condition and then treat that particular disease. It will then clear up when the underlying cause is treated and cured. 

Also see our article on neonatal jaundice, which sometimes occurs in newborns.  

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