What is Yellowing of the Skin/Eyes?
The yellowing of the skin and eyes, medically termed jaundice, is the result of an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. When this substance builds up in the blood, it imparts a yellowish tint to the skin and the whites of the eyes.
What Causes Yellowing of the Skin/Eyes?
Jaundice can stem from various conditions that disrupt the normal metabolism or excretion of bilirubin. These include liver diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis, blockage of bile ducts, hemolytic anemia, and genetic disorders like Gilbert's syndrome.
What are the Symptoms of Yellowing of the Skin/Eyes?
Besides the characteristic yellowing, symptoms may include dark urine, pale stools, itchiness, fatigue, and abdominal pain. The severity of these symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause.
How is Yellowing of the Skin/Eyes Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and blood tests to measure bilirubin levels and assess liver function. Imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans may be used to check for blockages in the bile ducts.
How is Yellowing of the Skin/Eyes Treated?
Treatment for jaundice addresses the underlying cause. If a bile duct blockage is present, surgery may be necessary. Liver diseases might require medication, lifestyle changes, or in severe cases, a liver transplant. For hemolytic anemia, treatments include managing the anemia and, in some cases, removing the spleen.
