Not all causes of jaundice are same!

Jaundice means yellow discoloration of eyes/sclera and urine. It is caused by a substance known as bilirubin. It is common misconception that all causes of jaundice behave similarly and can be treated by rest and restriction of diet. Today, we would understand what jaundice is and will break the above myth.

Jaundice is visible whenever the blood level of a substance called bilirubin increases. It is not visible to us till the blood level rises above 3 mg/dl. Whenever, the red blood cells get destroyed, they release this bilirubin, which is taken up by liver and after detoxification released in bile. So any disease which can cause increased damage of red blood cells, damage liver or obstruct the outflow of bile will lead to jaundice. The jaundice caused by these three types of diseases are different in the aspects of their liver tests and ultrasound reports with the help of which your doctor identifies the exact cause of jaundice. To an untrained eye, jaundice looks similar in all three types of diseases.

The management of all three diseases are different and even the urgency in management is different. The most common types of jaundice that we see in young adults is caused by viruses – namely Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E. It causes a self-limiting disease usually except in extremes of age and pregnancy where the chance of liver failure increases. Even in this viral hepatitis, restriction of food items is not warranted and patients should continue to eat whatever they can tolerate to avoid losing weight and getting weak. They should rest and avoid exertion. Admission is warranted only if liver functions are deteriorating or patient is unable to tolerate orally. The jaundice subsides in a period of 2-4 weeks in most of the individuals. Similar to these, Hepatitis B and C also presents, but requires specific treatment and needs #Hepatologist/#LiverSpecialist consultation. The few but important causes of jaundice are mentioned below and each of these requires a specialist evaluation.

Increased Destruction of red blood cells / Decreased uptake by liver Damage to Liver Obstruction of Bile flow
·        Hemolytic Syndromes

·         Gilbert’s syndrome

 

·         Viral Hepatitis A, B, C,              D and E

·         Drugs and Toxins

·         Autoimmune hepatitis

·         Wilson’s Disease

·         Fatty Liver Disease

·         Pregnancy related liver            disease

·         Budd Chiari Syndrome

·         Hemochromatosis

·         Liver cancer

·         Bile duct stone

·         Primary sclerosing                    cholangitis

·         Secondary sclerosing                cholangitis

·         Pancreatic cancer

·         Bile duct cancer

 

The above mentioned are just important few.

If you are suffering from jaundice please contact your Liver Specialist.