Jaundice - Revision history

Prab: CSV import

2025-04-09T21:13:05Z

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Prab at 21:06, 19 March 2025

2025-03-19T21:06:34Z

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 === Neonatal Jaundice ===
 Newborns frequently experience jaundice due to immature liver function. This type of jaundice often resolves on its own or with phototherapy.
 == Symptoms ==
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 * Checking for yellowing of the skin and eyes.
 * Examining the abdomen for liver or spleen enlargement.
 === Laboratory Tests ===

Prab at 21:05, 19 March 2025

2025-03-19T21:05:51Z

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Prab: CSV import

2025-02-25T00:02:08Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 00:02, 25 February 2025
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	[[Category:Gastroenterology]]		[[Category:Gastroenterology]]
	[[Category:Hepatology]]		[[Category:Hepatology]]
			== Jaundice ==
			<gallery>
			File:Old_jaundice.jpg\|Old jaundice
			File:Jaundice.jpg\|Jaundice
			File:Jaundice-types.png\|Jaundice types
			File:Bilirubin_pigment_in_cholestatic_liver_40X.jpg\|Bilirubin pigment in cholestatic liver 40X
			File:Heme_Breakdown.png\|Heme Breakdown
			File:Obstructivebiliarydilation.png\|Obstructive biliary dilation
			File:Obstructivebiliarydilation2.png\|Obstructive biliary dilation 2
			File:Kayser-Fleischer_ring.jpg\|Kayser-Fleischer ring
			</gallery>

Prab at 12:44, 7 April 2023

2023-04-07T12:44:56Z

New page

[[Image:Jaundice phototherapy.jpg|thumb|220px|right|New born baby being treated for jaundice]]
'''Jaundice''' (also called '''icterus''') is when the [[skin]] and the whites of the eyes become a yellow color.<ref name="mn">{{cite web|url=http://www.medicinenet.com/jaundice/article.htm|title=Jaundice signs, symptoms and treatment|last=Marks|first=Jay|work=MedicineNet|language=English|accessdate=2010-05-04}}</ref> People with jaundice have a problem with their [[liver]], which stops it from removing dead [[red blood cell]]s properly. These blood cells contain a chemical called [[bilirubin]].<ref name=mn/> Bilirubin causes the yellow coloring of the skin. Jaundice is common in newly born [[baby|babies]]. It usually starts the second day after birth.<ref name="kidshealth">{{cite web|url=http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/common/jaundice.html|title=Jaundice in Healthy Newborns|work=The Nemours Foundation|language=English|accessdate=2010-05-15}}</ref>

Jaundice can also be caused by other diseases, like [[malaria]], [[hepatitis]], or gallstones.

Jaundice is the most common of all liver problems. The yellow colour of the skin and mucous membranes happens because of an increase in the bile pigment, bilirubin, in the [[blood]].<ref name="kidshealth"/>

The [[bile]], made by the liver, is a vital [[digestion|digestive]] fluid needed for proper nutrition. It also stops decaying changes in food. If the bile is stopped from entering the [[intestine]]s there is an increase in gases and other products. Normally, the production of bile and its flow is constant.

==Types of Jaundice==
There are three types of jaundice:
* haemolytic jaundice - caused by destruction of red blood cells. This causes increased bilirubin formation and [[anaemia]]
* obstructive jaundice - caused by a blockage in the pathway where bilirubin is made in the liver cells and where bile goes into the [[duodenum]]
* hepatocellular jaundice - caused by damage to liver cells. The damage could be from a viral infection or toxic drugs.

Yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the [[eye]]s happens in all types of jaundice.

==Symptoms==
[[Image:Jaundice eye.jpg|thumb|220px|right|Yellow eyes caused by jaundice from hepatitis]]
The symptoms of jaundice are:<ref name="js">{{cite web|url=http://www.jaundicesymptoms.net | title=Jaundice signs and symptoms||work=MedicineNet|language=English|accessdate=2010-09-09}}</ref>
* extreme weakness
* headache
* fever
* loss of appetite
* tiredness
* severe [[constipation]]
* nausea
* yellow coloration of the eyes, [[tongue]], skin and [[urine]].
* dull pain in the liver region.
* Obstructive jaundice may also cause intense itching.

== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of jaundice typically involves:

* A physical examination to assess the extent of yellowing and look for signs of liver disease
* Blood tests to measure bilirubin levels and determine the cause of jaundice
* Imaging studies, such as ultrasound or CT scan, to evaluate the liver and bile ducts
* Liver function tests to assess the overall health of the liver

== Treatment ==
Treatment for jaundice depends on the underlying cause. Some possible treatments include:

* '''Medication''': For infections or liver diseases, medications may be prescribed to manage the underlying condition.
* '''Surgery''': In cases of blocked bile ducts, surgery may be necessary to remove the obstruction, such as gallstones or tumors.
* '''Phototherapy''': For newborns with jaundice, exposure to a special type of light helps break down bilirubin in the skin, making it easier to eliminate from the body.
* '''Blood transfusion''': In severe cases of anemia or inherited disorders, a blood transfusion may be necessary to replace damaged red blood cells.

== '''See also''' ==
* [[Hepatitis]]
* [[Cirrhosis]]
* [[Gallstones]]
* [[Hemolytic anemia]]
{{stub}}
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Gastroenterology]]
[[Category:Hepatology]]