What is jaundice? How does jaundice occur? Who is prone to jaundice? What are the symptoms of jaundice? How is jaundice diagnosed? Diagnosis ? What are the complications of jaundice? What is the treatment for jaundice?
Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells are broken down. Normally, the liver removes bilirubin from the blood and excretes it in the bile. When the liver is not functioning properly or the bile ducts are blocked, bilirubin can build up in the blood, causing jaundice.
Jaundice can occur in people of all ages, but certain populations are more prone to developing jaundice, such as:
Newborns, due to their immature livers.
People with liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
People with hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells are broken down at a faster rate than the liver can remove the bilirubin.
The symptoms of jaundice can include:
Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
Dark urine.
Pale stools.
Itching.
Fatigue and weakness.
Loss of appetite.
Jaundice is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests, such as a complete blood count, liver function tests, and imaging studies.
Complications of jaundice can include:
Chronic liver disease.
Brain damage in newborns with severe jaundice.
Increased risk of gallstones.
Hemolytic anemia in some cases.
The treatment for jaundice depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, treatment may involve treating the underlying condition, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. In severe cases, hospitalization and supportive care, such as blood transfusions or phototherapy, may be necessary. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a blockage in the bile ducts.
It is important to keep in mind that effective management of jaundice requires a comprehensive and individualized approach, including proper diagnosis of the underlying cause and prompt treatment to prevent complications.
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