What is Jaundice?
Jaundice is a condition that causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to turn yellow due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream. While jaundice is often associated with newborns, adults can experience this condition as well.
Adult jaundice is a sign that something may be wrong with the liver, gallbladder, or red blood cells. Jaundice in adults usually causes a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a substance produced when the liver breaks down red blood cells. Under normal circumstances, the liver processes bilirubin and excretes it through bile. However, when the liver isn’t functioning properly, or when there is an obstruction in the bile ducts, bilirubin accumulates, leading to jaundice in adults.
Though the presence of jaundice itself is not a disease, it can be a clear signal of an underlying health problem. This blog provides information on the early signs of jaundice in adults and ways to manage it. However, please note that this blog is for informational purposes only, and it is always advised to consult the doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of jaundice.
What Are The Symptoms of Jaundice in Adults?
The symptoms of jaundice in adults can vary depending on the underlying cause. If you notice any of the signs of jaundice in adults, it’s important to consult a doctor immediately. Timely diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications, but the most common signs of jaundice include:
Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes
The most obvious sign of jaundice is the yellow discoloration of the skin, as well as the whites of the eyes (sclera).
Dark Urine
As bilirubin levels rise, it can cause the urine to appear darker in color, often resembling the color of tea or cola.
Pale Stools
The stool may turn pale or clay-colored due to the lack of bile reaching the intestines.
Itchy Skin
High bilirubin levels can lead to itching, which may be accompanied by a rash.
Fatigue and Weakness
A person with jaundice may feel unusually tired, weak, or lethargic as the body struggles to cope with the underlying health issue.
Nausea or Vomiting
Digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite can also be symptoms of jaundice, especially when liver dysfunction is involved.
What are the Causes of Jaundice in Adults?
While many associate jaundice with liver-related problems, the condition itself can arise from a variety of different factors. Understanding the causes of jaundice in adults is essential for identifying the root of the problem and taking timely action. The main causes of jaundice can be divided into three categories:
Liver-Related Conditions
The liver is responsible for processing bilirubin, so any condition that impairs liver function can lead to jaundice:
Inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections, alcohol abuse, or certain medications.
Scarring of the liver tissue commonly results from chronic liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Primary liver cancer or metastasis from other cancers can block bile ducts, leading to jaundice.
Bile Duct Obstructions
The bile ducts carry bile from the liver to the small intestine. Any obstruction in these ducts can cause bile to back up into the liver, increasing bilirubin levels.
Hardened deposits of bile that can block bile ducts.
Tumors of the pancreas can also obstruct bile flow.
Infections or scarring can narrow the bile ducts and prevent the proper flow of bile.
Blood Disorders
Conditions that affect red blood cell destruction can lead to jaundice in adults:
A condition where red blood cells are destroyed at a faster rate than they can be replaced, causing excessive bilirubin production.
A hereditary condition in which abnormal red blood cells break down rapidly, leading to jaundice.
When Should You See a Doctor for Jaundice?
If you notice any of the signs of jaundice in adults, such as yellowing of the skin, dark urine, or fatigue, it’s essential to seek medical advice. Early detection can prevent complications and make treatment more effective. Jaundice is often a sign of a serious underlying condition, and waiting too long to seek treatment can lead to irreversible damage, especially if liver disease is involved.
How is Jaundice Diagnosed in Adults?
If jaundice is suspected, a doctor will perform various tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine its underlying cause. Some of the tests for jaundice in adults include:
Blood Tests
The first step in diagnosing jaundice involves blood tests to measure bilirubin levels and assess liver function. A high bilirubin level is the key indicator of jaundice. Doctors will also check for liver enzymes like ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), and ALP (alkaline phosphatase), which help assess the health of the liver.
Imaging Tests
Imaging techniques like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI can help identify blockages in the bile ducts, liver abnormalities, or tumors that may be causing jaundice.
Liver Biopsy
In some cases, a liver biopsy may be necessary to examine liver tissue for diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
Jaundice Levels in Adults
Doctors measure the severity of jaundice by looking at the jaundice levels in adults, which typically correlate with bilirubin levels in the blood. The normal level of bilirubin is around 0.1 to 1.2 mg/dL. When bilirubin levels exceed 2.5 mg/dL, jaundice becomes visible on the skin and eyes. The higher the bilirubin level, the more severe the jaundice and the greater the potential risk of underlying liver or bile duct disease.
Doctors will typically monitor bilirubin levels over time to assess the progression of the condition and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
Treatment of Jaundice in Adults
The treatment of jaundice in adults depends on the underlying cause. In general, addressing the root cause of jaundice will help reduce bilirubin levels and improve symptoms. Some common treatment options include:
Medications
Antiviral or Antibiotic Drugs: If jaundice is caused by a viral infection like hepatitis, antiviral drugs may be prescribed to control the infection. Antibiotics may be necessary if the jaundice is caused by a bacterial infection or sepsis.
Steroids or Immunosuppressants: In cases of autoimmune liver diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis, steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs may be used to reduce inflammation.
Surgical Treatment
Gallstone Removal: If gallstones are causing a bile duct obstruction, surgery or non-invasive procedures like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be performed to remove the stones.
Surgery for Tumors or Blockages: If a tumor or stricture is blocking bile flow, surgical procedures may be necessary to remove the obstruction.
Liver Transplantation
In severe cases of liver disease, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer, a liver transplant may be required. This is generally considered when other treatments are no longer effective and liver function is significantly impaired.
Lifestyle Changes
Dietary Modifications: In cases like fatty liver disease, avoiding alcohol, reducing fat intake, and increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables can help improve liver health.
Regular Monitoring: Regular check-ups with a doctor to monitor liver function and bilirubin levels can help manage the condition effectively.
How Can You Prevent Jaundice in Adults?
While jaundice itself is a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a disease, there are several preventive measures that adults can take to reduce the risk of developing jaundice. The goal is to maintain liver health and prevent conditions that lead to bilirubin buildup in the bloodstream. Here are some effective ways to prevent jaundice in adults:
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
A balanced and healthy lifestyle plays a crucial role in liver health. Many liver-related diseases, such as fatty liver disease or cirrhosis, can be prevented through good dietary habits and regular physical activity.
Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This can help prevent conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can progress to cirrhosis if left untreated.
Limit Processed Foods and Sugar: Minimize the intake of processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats to reduce the risk of obesity and liver disease.
Hydrate Properly: Drinking plenty of water helps in the detoxification process and supports overall liver function.
Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Excessive drinking can damage liver cells and increase the risk of liver diseases, which are leading causes of jaundice in adults.
Limit Alcohol Intake: Drinking in moderation or avoiding alcohol altogether is one of the best ways to protect your liver. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
Seek Help for Alcohol Abuse: If you struggle with alcohol dependence, seeking professional help or joining support groups can prevent long-term liver damage and conditions like alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Vaccination Against Hepatitis
Hepatitis viruses, particularly Hepatitis A, B, and C, can cause liver inflammation and lead to jaundice. Vaccines and preventive measures can reduce the risk of contracting these infections.
Hepatitis A and B Vaccination: Vaccines are available for both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Getting vaccinated can significantly reduce your risk of contracting these viral infections.
Hepatitis C Testing and Treatment: There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, but getting tested early and starting treatment can prevent liver damage and complications associated with the virus.
Avoid Exposure to Toxins
Certain chemicals and toxins can harm the liver and lead to jaundice if exposure is prolonged. These include industrial chemicals, certain medications, and recreational drugs.
Be Cautious with Medications: Always take medications as prescribed by your doctor, and avoid taking over-the-counter drugs in excess, especially acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can cause liver damage at high doses.
Wear Protective Gear: If you work in an environment where you’re exposed to chemicals or industrial solvents, make sure to use proper protective equipment to minimize toxin exposure.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity is a major risk factor for liver diseases, such as fatty liver disease, which can lead to jaundice. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help prevent liver-related complications.
Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. This can help reduce the risk of fatty liver disease and improve overall liver function.
Lose Weight Gradually: If you are overweight, losing weight in a controlled and gradual manner (1-2 pounds per week) is important for reducing liver fat and preventing complications like cirrhosis.
Monitor Liver Health Regularly
Regular check-ups can help detect liver issues early on, even before symptoms like jaundice develop. Monitoring liver health is especially important for individuals at risk of liver disease.
Get Regular Liver Function Tests: If you have risk factors for liver disease, such as a family history of liver problems, regular liver function tests can help identify issues early.
Screen for Hepatitis: If you are at risk of Hepatitis B or C, regular screening can help detect the virus early and prevent long-term liver damage.
Practice Safe Sex
Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through sexual contact, especially unprotected sex with multiple partners. Practicing safe sex can reduce the risk of these infections.
Avoid/Manage Stones in Gallbladder
Gallstones, which can obstruct the bile ducts, are a common cause of jaundice in adults. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can help reduce the risk of gallstones.
Eat a Fiber-Rich Diet: A diet high in fiber, particularly from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help prevent gallstone formation.
Avoid Rapid Weight Loss: Losing weight too quickly can increase the risk of developing gallstones. Aim for a gradual and sustainable weight loss plan.
Manage Underlying Health Conditions
Certain conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can increase the risk of liver diseases that may lead to jaundice.
Control Blood Sugar Levels: Proper management of diabetes is essential in preventing complications that could affect liver health, such as NAFLD.
Control Cholesterol and Blood Pressure: Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels within a healthy range to prevent liver damage.
What are the Complications of Untreated Jaundice in Adults?
Jaundice in adults, if left untreated, can lead to a series of severe complications, many of which can significantly impact your general health and quality of life. The buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream is usually a sign that the liver, bile ducts, or red blood cells are not functioning properly. Without addressing the root cause of jaundice, these health problems can escalate and result in permanent damage to the liver or other organs. Potential complications due to untreated jaundice in adults are:
Liver Damage and Cirrhosis
Gallstones and Bile Duct Obstruction
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Sepsis
Kidney Failure
Bleeding Disorders
Increased Risk of Liver Cancer
Decreased Quality of Life
Choose Artemis Hospitals for Effective Jaundice Treatment In Gurgaon.
Adult jaundice is a serious condition that can indicate liver, bile duct, or blood disorders. It is important to recognize the symptoms of jaundice in adults early so that you can seek proper medical care and begin treatment right away. Understanding the causes of jaundice in adults and the diagnostic tests available can help guide the treatment process.
To book an appointment with the top internal medicine doctor at Artemis Hospitals, call our customer care at +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp us at +91 9599285476. You can also schedule an appointment through our online patient portal or download and register on the Artemis Personal Health Record mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices.
Article By Dr. P Venkata Krishnan
Sr. Consultant - Internal Medicine
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can jaundice in adults be caused by alcohol consumption?
Yes, heavy drinking can lead to liver damage, including cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis, both of which can cause jaundice.
Is jaundice in adults a sign of liver disease?
Jaundice in adults often indicates a liver-related issue, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
How long does jaundice last in adults?
The duration of jaundice depends on its underlying cause. If treated promptly, jaundice may resolve in a few days to weeks.
Can jaundice be treated without medication?
In some cases, such as with certain lifestyle changes or mild liver conditions, jaundice may improve without medication.
Can jaundice go away on its own?
While mild cases of jaundice may resolve on their own, medical intervention is usually required for severe or persistent jaundice.
What lifestyle changes can help manage jaundice?
Avoiding alcohol, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can help improve liver function and manage jaundice.
Is jaundice in adults contagious?
Jaundice itself is not contagious, but certain causes, like viral hepatitis, can be contagious.
