Jaundice
Einstein Health Glossary
ICD 10 - R17
What is jaundice?
Jaundice is characterized by yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes due to excess bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced by the liver, can increase due to liver and gallbladder diseases, as well as certain types of anemia. In newborns, the cause may be the natural overproduction of the pigment.
Symptoms
Symptoms of jaundice include yellow skin and eyes, dark urine, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Fever may occur in cases related to infection. More severe cases can affect the nervous system.
Causes
In newborns, the excess bilirubin typical of jaundice is caused by natural overproduction in the first days of life. In other groups, it occurs due to liver problems, bile duct issues, or accelerated destruction of red blood cells.
Diagnosis
Jaundice diagnosis includes evaluating skin color. Blood tests may be used to measure bilirubin levels in the blood.
Prevention Method
In babies, jaundice prevention involves exposure to light. In adults, hygiene measures and sexual protection help prevent jaundice caused by viral hepatitis. Other causes have no specific prevention.
Treatment
Newborns with jaundice may need light therapy. However, in most cases, resolution depends on treating the underlying cause of jaundice, such as Hepatitis C.
Duration
The duration of jaundice depends on the cause. In newborns, it usually lasts about one week. In adults, viral hepatitis can cause jaundice for up to two weeks.
Is it cContagious?
Jaundice in babies is not contagious. Some other causes, such as hepatitis viruses, are transmissible.
Can it occur more than once?
In babies, it is uncommon for neonatal jaundice to appear more than once, even after treatment. In adults, it is possible to have jaundice more than once and for different reasons.