Jaundice occurs when the skin, eyes or mucous acquire a yellowish tone that occurs gradually, indicating that something is wrong with our health. In itself it is not a disease but a symptom that can occur due to various conditions, so it is essential to determine its origin to detect the proper way to treat the disease that causes it. At OneHowTo.com we explain what the most common causes of jaundice are.
How does jaundice occur?
Jaundice manifests due to the excessive presence of bilirubin in the body. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that occurs when red blood cells break down and is then carried to the liver, the organ which breaks it down so it can be eliminated through faeces.
When some condition prevents proper elimination of bilirubin it builds up in our body, giving rise to a yellow colour, known as jaundice. If this colour is present in our skin, eyes or mucous membranes you should see a doctor for a complete examination.
Causes of jaundice: liver infection
One of the most common causes of jaundice is derived from a liver infection. Diseases such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D and hepatitis E or parasitic infections that affect this organ may be causing yellowing of the skin, eyes or mucous membranes.
Causes of jaundice gallstones or bile disorders
Gallstones produced by excess bilirubin and bile disorders present among their symptoms, jaundice. Gallstones in most cases must be eliminated by surgery, whereas in the case of problems in the bile it is necessary to determine exactly what condition produces the yellowness to treat it promptly.
Causes of jaundice: liver damage
Liver damage caused by diseases such as cirrhosis, liver infections and inflammation of this organ, can also cause an increase and accumulation of bilirubin because the liver is unable to properly decompose it.
Causes of jaundice: abuse of certain drugs
The liver is in charge of processing many substances we ingest so then our body is able to eliminate them. Therefore the abuse of certain medications or compounds, such as paracetamol, or prolonged exposure to certain toxic substances, may be among the causes of jaundice.
Causes of jaundice: blood disorders
Various blood disorders that promote accelerated death of red blood cells and thereby an increase in the production of bilirubin, may also be causing jaundice. In this case the timely intervention of a haematologist may be essential for an accurate diagnosis.
Other causes of jaundice:
Other possible causes of jaundice are:
- Pregnancy can lead to an accumulation of bile in the gallbladder that causes the increase of bilirubin.
- Pancreatic Cancer.
- Congenital problems that cause difficulty to break down bilirubin.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
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