Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. It is not a disease by itself, but a visible sign that something is affecting the liver or the bile system. Jaundice should always be evaluated, because the causes range from minor to serious, and finding the reason early matters. Here is what jaundice means and what can cause it.
Why the Skin Turns Yellow
The yellow color comes from a substance called bilirubin, which forms when old red blood cells break down. Normally the liver processes bilirubin and sends it out of the body in bile. When the liver is not working well, or when bile cannot drain properly, bilirubin builds up in the blood and stains the skin and eyes yellow.
Signs That Often Come With Jaundice
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes, often the first place it shows
- Dark urine, the color of tea or cola
- Pale, clay-colored stools
- Itchy skin
- Fatigue, belly pain, or weight loss depending on the cause
Common Causes
Jaundice is grouped by where the problem is:
- Liver conditions: hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, advanced fatty liver, and cirrhosis can all impair how the liver handles bilirubin.
- Blocked bile ducts: gallstones or a narrowing can block bile from draining, backing it up into the blood.
- Blood conditions: when red blood cells break down faster than normal, bilirubin can rise.
- Pancreas problems: a growth or inflammation near where the bile duct enters the intestine can block drainage.
How the Cause Is Found
Finding the reason starts with blood tests that measure bilirubin and check how the liver is working. Imaging such as ultrasound or CT looks for blockages, stones, or liver changes, and a FibroScan can assess the liver. When a bile duct is blocked, a specialized endoscopic procedure can both find and often relieve the blockage.
When to Seek Care
Any new jaundice should be checked promptly. Seek care right away if it comes with severe belly pain, fever, confusion, or vomiting, since these can signal a serious problem that needs urgent treatment. In a newborn, jaundice is common and usually mild, but it should always be monitored by the baby's doctor.
The Takeaway
Jaundice is the body's way of showing that the liver or bile system needs attention. Many causes are very treatable, especially when found early. If you notice yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools, see a gastroenterologist. Learn more about liver warning signs.
Talk to a Gastroenterologist in Mountainside, NJ
If your symptoms keep coming back or you are not sure what is causing them, Dr. Amber Khan can help. We see patients from across Union County and New Jersey.