INJURY | PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER | PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY | INJURIES

Explanation and Causes:

As red blood cells are produced everyday so to are they being processed to be either recycled or destroyed and excreted. The process by which the old red blood cells are processed all happens in the liver. Jaundice occurs when old red blood cells cannot be processed and they build up in the body and exude a yellowish color visible in the eyes and skin. Bilirubin is the substance that causes this yellowish color and is made of old red blood cells. High levels of bilirubin can cause significant damage in adults and especially in newborns. In adults, liver failure can occur if treatment is not sought. In newborns and children, brain damage, deafness, cerebral palsy, and other developmental disabilities can be the result.

Jaundice is a symptom for other usually more significant problems that cause jaundice. For example, an alcoholic with jaundice would indicate that he has some sort of liver problems causing the jaundice, most likely cirrhosis of the liver.

Other causes of jaundice include:

In newborns and children:

• Viral Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E
• Malaria
• Hemolytic Anemia
• Biliary atresia

In Adults:

• Cancer of the pancreas
• Cholestasis
• Viral Hepatitis
• Drug induced hepatitis
• Biliary stricture
• Hemolytic anemia
• Alcoholic cirrhosis

Symptoms:

The two primary symptoms of jaundice are yellow whites of the eyes and a yellow tint in the skin. Whenever there is suspicion of jaundice, a medical professional should be seen to diagnose the cause. Other symptoms include, yellow coloring on the inside of the mouth and nose, also, pale colored stools could indicate jaundice.

Diagnosis and Tests:

Tests that would indicate jaundice are:

• Blood serum bilirubin
• CBC
• Liver panel also known as liver function test
• Liver biopsy
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Fecal and urine urobilinogen

Treatment:

Because jaundice is a symptom, treatment for it is referred to the treatment for the cause of jaundice.

Prevention:

The best prevention for jaundice is pretty much don’t be stupid. Don’t have unprotected sex. Stay away from drugs and needles. You would think that people would learn their lesson after all the diseases they can get. What I’m trying to say is use common sense.