Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. It is a symptom of an excessive accumulation of bile pigment called bilirubin. Excess bilirubin is due to excessive production or an insufficient elimination by the body.
Jaundice is seen in the newborn, especially if the birth is premature. However, the symptoms disappear after a few days until the liver becomes mature.
When the patient is not a newborn, the cause of jaundice is usually a problem in liver or gallbladder. The liver converts bilirubin health by mixing with bile and transfers it to the gallbladder. Bilirubin is then directed from the gallbladder to the intestine to be digested. A disruption of the liver or obstruction of a bile duct can prevent this process and create an excess of bilirubin which spread through the blood. A lack of red blood cells in the blood can also cause jaundice, even with a healthy liver.
The malfunction of the liver may be due to a virus, medication, an immune system disorder and alcoholism. Stress, a sport or an infection can also cause jaundice.
Unless a very high concentration of bilirubin, jaundice is usually painless. Since jaundice is a sign of a problem of the body, a physician should be consulted.
22 avril 2010
| The text above is for information purposes only. Only a doctor can diagnose a disease. No treatment (medication or scheme) should be undertaken without consulting a health professional. |