Adult Jaundice: Symptoms and Causes

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Adult Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition in which the skin, whites of the eyes and mucous membranes
turn yellow because of a high level of bilirubin, a yellow-orange bile pigment. Jaundice has
many causes, including hepatitis, gallstones and tumors. In adults, jaundice usually doesn't
need to be treated.
 Symptoms and Causes
 Diagnosis and Tests
 Management and Treatment
 Prevention
ADULT JAUNDICE
OVERVIEW
What is jaundice?
Jaundice is a condition in which the skin, sclera (whites of the eyes) and mucous
membranes turn yellow. This yellow color is caused by a high level of bilirubin, a yellow-orange
bile pigment. Bile is fluid secreted by the liver. Bilirubin is formed from the breakdown of red
blood cells.
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SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
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What causes jaundice?
Jaundice can be caused by a problem in any of the three phases in bilirubin production.
Before the production of bilirubin, you may have what's called unconjugated jaundice due
to increased levels of bilirubin caused by:
 Reabsorption of a large hematoma (a collection of clotted or partially clotted blood under the

skin).
 Hemolytic anemias (blood cells are destroyed and removed from the bloodstream before their
normal lifespan is over).
During production of bilirubin, jaundice can be caused by:
 Viruses, including Hepatitis A, chronic Hepatitis B and C, and Epstein-Barr virus infection
(infectious mononucleosis).
 Alcohol.
 Autoimmune disorders.
 Rare genetic metabolic defects.
 Medicines, including acetaminophen toxicity, penicillins, oral contraceptives, chlorpromazine
(Thorazine®) and estrogenic or anabolic steroids.
After bilirubin is produced, jaundice may be caused by obstruction (blockage) of the bile

ducts from:
 Gallstones.
 Inflammation (swelling) of the gallbladder.
 Gallbladder cancer.
 Pancreatic tumor.
What are the symptoms of jaundice?
Sometimes, the person may not have symptoms of jaundice, and the condition may be
found accidentally. The severity of symptoms depends on the underlying causes and how quickly
or slowly the disease develops.
If you have a short-term case of jaundice (usually caused by infection), you may have the
following symptoms and signs:
 Fever.
 Chills.
 Abdominal pain.
 Flu-like symptoms.
 Change in skin color.
 Dark-colored urine and/or clay-colored stool.
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If jaundice isn't caused by an infection, you may have symptoms such as weight loss or
itchy skin (pruritus). If the jaundice is caused by pancreatic or biliary tract cancers, the most
common symptom is abdominal pain. Sometimes, you may have jaundice occurring with liver
disease if you have:
 Chronic hepatitis or inflammation of the liver.

 Pyoderma gangrenosum (a type of skin disease).
 Acute hepatitis A, B or C.
 Polyarthralgias (inflammation of the joints).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS

How is jaundice diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose jaundice by checking for signs of liver disease such as:
 Bruising of the skin.

 Spider angiomas (abnormal collection of blood vessels near the surface of the skin).
 Palmar erythema (red coloration of the palms and fingertips).
Urinalysis (urine testing) that's positive for bilirubin shows that the patient has
conjugated jaundice. The findings of urinalysis should be confirmed by serum testing. The serum
testing will include a complete blood count (CBC) and bilirubin levels.
Your doctor will also do an exam to determine the size and tenderness of your liver. He
or she may use imaging (ultrasonography and computer tomographic (CT) scanning) and liver
biopsy (taking a sample of the liver) to further confirm diagnosis.
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT

How is jaundice treated?
Jaundice usually doesn't require treatment in adults (it's a more severe problem in
infants). The causes and complications of jaundice can be treated. For instance, if itching is
bothersome, it may be eased by cholestyramine (Questran®).
What are some of the complications/side effects of the treatments of

jaundice?
 Constipation.
 Bloating.
 Stomach pain.
 Gas.
 Upset stomach.
 Vomiting.
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 Diarrhea.
PREVENTION
Can jaundice be prevented?
Since there are many causes of jaundice, it's hard to provide specific prevention
measures. Some general tips include:
 Avoid hepatitis infection.

 Stay within recommended alcohol limits.
 Maintain a healthy weight.
 Manage your cholesterol.
What is the risk you'll develop jaundice?
During the production of bilirubin, middle-aged women and men, in general, are more
affected. People who have hepatitis and drink excessive alcohol are also at increased risk.

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1

 Symptoms and Causes

 Diagnosis and Tests

 Management and Treatment

What causes jaundice?

 Reabsorption of a large hematoma (a collection of clotted or partially clotted blood under the

During production of bilirubin, jaundice can be caused by:

After bilirubin is produced, jaundice may be caused by obstruction (blockage) of the bile

What are the symptoms of jaundice?

 Chronic hepatitis or inflammation of the liver.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS

 Bruising of the skin.

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT

What are some of the complications/side effects of the treatments of

 Avoid hepatitis infection.

What is the risk you'll develop jaundice?

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