Jaundice – types, symptoms, causes, prevention [WE EXPLAIN]

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Jaundice is a set of symptoms that includes, for example, yellowing of the skin and sclera of the eyes. This is due to the elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood and tissues. There are several types of jaundice.

Jaundice – Definition

Jaundice is a group of symptoms that consists of yellow color of the skin, the sclera of the eyes and the mucous membranes. Jaundice is caused by very high levels of bilirubin in the blood and tissues.

Jaundice and bilirubin

It is a yellow pigment that can get into the blood, for example as a result of: breakdown of red blood cells; impaired transport or conjugation of bilirubin in the liver or impaired biliary drainage.

After bilirubin is released from red blood cells, it enters the blood and then travels with the plasma to the liver, where it undergoes chemical changes. As a consequence, it is excreted into the biliary tract and concentrated in the gallbladder.

Check it out: Jaundice vaccinations – what do I need to know?

Jaundice – types

From a diagnostic point of view, there are several types of jaundice:

1. hemolytic jaundice – is also called prehepatic jaundice and is caused by haemolysis, i.e. excessive breakdown of blood, and as a result, large amounts of bilirubin are produced. There is so much of it that it exceeds the capacity of its uptake and metabolism by the liver. Bilirubin is insoluble in water, so it cannot be excreted in the urine, so it crosses the blood-brain barrier, damaging this organ if it reaches too high a concentration. Normally, bilirubin combines with glucuronic acid in the liver to form a water-soluble compound, whereby it is excreted in the urine. If this process is disturbed, jaundice occurs. This group of jaundice also includes cases caused by impaired bilirubin uptake by liver cells or by binding to glucuronic acid, which is the first step in the metabolism of bilirubin in the liver. The tests show, for example, an increase in the concentration of indirect bilirubin and urobilinogen in the urine. This type of jaundice can appear in newborns. It is then called physiological jaundice and it is a temporary state. Symptoms of hemolytic jaundice include enlarged spleen, dark faeces, and very light urine. Crigler’s and Najjar’s syndrome also belongs to this group;
2. mechanical jaundice – it is also called extrahepatic, obstructive or congestive jaundice. It appears as a consequence of inflammation of the bile ducts, a pancreatic tumor or bile duct stones. The amount of bilirubin is adequate and the liver is functional, but there are problems with the discharge of bile through the bile ducts into the gastrointestinal tract. The most common symptoms are loss of appetite, vomiting, chills, and fever;
3. hepatic jaundice – otherwise known as parenchymal jaundice. Its main symptom is muscle pain. Its cause is hepatitis A, B and C. Hepatic jaundice results from disorders in the liver itself, the work of which is impaired. Another source of jaundice development may be cancer or disorders of the circulatory system leading to hypoxia in the liver.

In addition, jaundice can also be classified according to the concentration of bilirubin in the blood, which directly affects the severity of the visible changes. For this reason, we can distinguish:

1. subicterus, or pre-jaundice statewhen the bilirubin level is <43 μmol / L;
2. icterus jaundice, or jaundice of moderate severitywhen the bilirubin level is between 43 and 171 μmol / L;
3. severe jaundicewhen the bilirubin level is above 171 μmol / l;
4. normal blood bilirubin level when it is between 5,1 and 17 μmol / l.

There are types of jaundice caused by hepatitis: A, B and C.

Jaundice A is food jaundice, caused by the HAV (Hepatitis A Virus), which is transmitted through the ingestion, it is also a problem of dirty hands. This type of jaundice infection occurs as a result of drinking water contaminated with viruses or food washed in it. Appear characteristic in the form of yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, dark urine and discolored stool. A vaccine against hepatitis A is available, two doses are recommended.

Jaundice type b – is called jaundice, a dangerous infectious disease. This type of jaundice can cause serious complications, including liver failure or cirrhosis, increasing the risk of liver cancer and eventually death. The hepatitis B virus is 50 to 100 times more contagious than HIV. Vaccination is an effective method to prevent hepatitis B infection. We can become banned as a result of, among others:

1. sexual intercourse,
2. cuts with a dirty syringe or needle,
3. getting a tattoo (when tattoo parlors lack proper hygiene at work), the same applies to hairdressing, cosmetic or dental clinics,
4. transfusion of HBV-infected blood and its products (complication is practically not observed with this blood test procedure in Poland).

Jaundice type C – is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV: Hepatitis C Virus). The source of infection with this type of jaundice is blood contaminated with the virus. The hepatitis C infection has a secret course and at the beginning it does not give any symptoms, so patients do not have a clue about it and feel well. Every third person experiences symptoms of hepatitis C, including: nausea, vomiting, itchy skin, problems with concentration. For example, contamination can occur:

1. during hospitalization, when blood has been transfused or during dialysis,
2. during a visit to the dentist, when proper hygiene is lacking (the same at the hairdresser and beautician).

Check it out: The number of people suffering from food jaundice is increasing. Is there anything to be afraid of?

Jaundice – causes

The causes of jaundice can be:

1. acute viral hepatitis – especially in young and healthy people, the disease is preceded by early symptoms of viral hepatitis infection,
2. long-term exposure to hepatotoxic factors,
3. taking too much medication (the most common is paracetamol overdose,
4. alcoholic liver disease
5. alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis,
6. genetic factors (Glibert’s syndrome), when jaundice recurs in the patient or his relatives, despite the lack of liver and biliary diseases,
7. obstruction of the bile ducts (possibly) due to cancer – often manifested as painless jaundice in patients who have experienced weight loss, itching or the presence of a tumor in the abdomen,
8. intra- or extrahepatic cholestasis due to build-up of jaundice with itching, weight loss and clay-colored faeces. Intrahepatic cholestasis can be caused by viral hepatitis, taking certain medications, the influence of toxins, and alcohol changes. In contrast, extrahepatic cholestasis may occur due to cholelithiasis,
9. pancreatic cancer,
10. sometimes inflammation of the bile ducts,
11. pancreatic pseudocyst,
12. stenosis of the common sheath after procedures,
13. acute liver cell failure – often accompanied by mental problems and problems with clotting.

Others possible causes of jaundice may be:

1. fasting – in patients with Gilbert’s syndrome (genetic test for Gilbert’s syndrome is available in a convenient mail-order version on Medonet Market),
2. Wilson’s disease – damaging the liver,
3. Rotor syndrome,
4. Dubin-Johnson syndrome,
5. Burns,
6. tuberculosis,
7. lymphomas,
8. liver contusion,
9. Buddha-Chiari syndrome,
10. hypersplenism,
11. Crigler-Najjar syndrome,
12. circulatory failure,
13. overactive thyroid gland.

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Jaundice – symptoms

The earliest (and most likely) increase in serum bilirubin, called jaundice, is seen in the sclera of the eyes and the lining of the mouth. There is also an altered color of urine and stools.

The symptoms of jaundice also include itching of the skin and pain around the liver. If colic pains appear, the diagnosis will tend to be extrahepatic jaundice.

Hemolytic jaundice is characterized by pale urine and dark faeces, while hepatic jaundice is characterized by pale faeces and dark urine. In newborns, jaundice progresses from the head to the torso and then to the hands and feet. Other neonatal symptoms may include loud crying, lethargy, and convulsions. Advanced jaundice causes symptoms such as itchy skin and pain around the liver.

Check it out: Urobilinogen – what is its level in urine?

uPatient offers the Liver Package – diagnostic tests that will allow you to assess the condition of the liver. It is worth doing preventive examinations, at least once a year.

Jaundice – diagnosis

The basis for the diagnosis of jaundice is an interview with the patient, during which the doctor asks about all the preparations that patients are using and whether they are exposed to toxins that may harm the liver. It is important to obtain information on how to vaccinate a patient against hepatitis. The doctor also asks about previous operations on the biliary system.

In addition to the medical interview, the doctor performs abdominal palpation and blood tests. The blood test measures total and direct bilirubin, the activity of transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and gammaglutamyltransferase. The test results make it possible to distinguish bile stasis from damage to liver cells.

Abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging are also performed to detect liver swelling or tumors. Based on ultrasound, the doctor can diagnose extrahepatic cholestasis that requires further investigation (usually resonance or retrograde endoscopic cholangiopancreatography). Sometimes a liver biopsy or laparoscopy is necessary.

Find out more: Viral hepatitis – what should you know?

Jaundice – treatment

As mentioned above, jaundice is a symptom of many diseases, so there is no consistent treatment. The choice of the type of treatment depends on the diagnosis and the patient’s condition.

The onset of jaundice does not have to be a reason for an immediate doctor or emergency room visit. It is only necessary if jaundice is accompanied by other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, high temperature, nausea, and rains. In other cases, you should see your doctor promptly, but not immediately, it may be the next day or a few days after the onset of the disease.

It is worth supporting the work of the liver in a natural way during jaundice. For example, verbena herb, which is available on Medonet Market in the form of organic tea, will do the job.

Jaundice – vaccination

Vaccination against jaundice is possible only in the case of hepatic jaundice, i.e. caused by the hepatitis A or B virus. Unfortunately, so far no vaccine for the hepatitis C virus has been developed. Currently, both single virus vaccines and combination vaccines for hepatitis A and B are available.

Vaccinations are recommended especially for people who are to undergo a medical procedure or are traveling outside the country. They are compulsory for children and people who, due to their profession, are more likely to become ill.

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Neonatal jaundice

Physiological jaundice of newborns this is a unique case of jaundice. Its cause is mainly the immaturity of the liver, which is associated with the impaired combination of bilirubin and acid.

Neonatal jaundice usually appears in the second day of life and disappears around the 10th day of life. The liver gradually begins to cope with the metabolism of bilirubin better and better, and jaundice does not appear anymore. This type of jaundice does not require treatment as it goes away on its own. If it doesn’t, and your bilirubin levels are still high, you should start looking for a more serious cause. This means introducing more detailed diagnostics.

Jaundice – prevention

At home, in the case of jaundice of an undetermined nature or after exclusion of obstructive jaundice (also called mechanical), you can only keep the liver working properly by:

1. proper diet,
2. increased physical and mental rest lasting many hours during the day,
3. increased supply of vitamins, especially B vitamins and vitamin C,
4. taking preparations supporting the function of liver cells.

A healthy diet for the liver it is primarily one that contains a large amount of fruit and vegetables, and a smaller amount of fatty meat, red meat and animal fats. The body should be supplied with a large amount of vitamins, preferably from natural sources. If for some reason you are unable to get the right amount of vitamins from your diet, you can, after consulting your doctor, supplement it with supplements. Below are some of our proposals with links to the cheapest offers:

1. dietary supplement with a complex of B vitamins – check the offer
2. dietary supplement with a complex of B vitamins in an aerosol – check the offer
3. dietary supplement with vitamin C in the form of microencapsulated ascorbic acid complex – check the offer

It is important to have a hygienic lifestyle and avoid possible sources of infection with diseases that can damage the liver. However, it is possible to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

The above-mentioned mental and physical rest is beneficial for the regeneration of the body, including of course the liver.

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