Jaundice – A Comprehensive Guide

At Central Gastro, we believe in clear and compassionate patient education. Jaundice is a common sign of underlying digestive or liver dysfunction that requires professional evaluation and care.

🔎 What is Jaundice?

Jaundice refers to the yellow discoloration of the skin, the whites of the eyes (sclera), and mucous membranes caused by an excess buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream — a pigment produced during the breakdown of old red blood cells. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and excretes it into bile; interruption of this process causes bilirubin to accumulate and lead to jaundice.

🧠 Why Does Jaundice Happen?

Jaundice is not a disease in itself but a symptom of an underlying condition. It results from one or more mechanisms:

🧬 Pre-Hepatic Causes (Before the Liver)

Occurs when there is excessive breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis), overwhelming the liver’s ability to process bilirubin. Causes include hemolytic anemia, sickle cell disease, malaria, and certain toxins and also rare congenital conditions 

🧪 Hepatic Causes (Within the Liver)

Caused by liver cell damage or dysfunction (hepatocellular), impairing bilirubin uptake or excretion. Common causes include:

• Viral hepatitis (A, B, C)
• Alcohol-related liver disease
• Drug Induced Liver Injury (DILI)
• Autoimmune liver diseases
• Liver Infections
• Liver Abscesses
• Rare genetic diseases

🚫 Post-Hepatic Causes (After the Liver)

Also called obstructive jaundice, this occurs when bile cannot flow into the intestines due to blockages from:

• Gallstones
• Tumors of the bile ducts, gallbladder
• Strictures or scarring of bile ducts
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Certain liver parasites
  
  

🩹 Signs & Symptoms

The most recognizable symptom is yellowing of the skin and eyes. Other associated features may include:

• Dark-colored urine
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Itching (pruritus)
• Abdominal discomfort
• Fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite
• Fever or nausea (when infections are present)
  
  

🧪 How is Jaundice Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a clinical evaluation and detailed history. Key diagnostic steps include:

Blood Tests:

• Liver Function Tests (bilirubin, ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, albumin, PT/INR)
• Hematologic studies
• Viral hepatitis panels
• Autoimmune markers
• Hemolysis markers

Imaging Studies:

• Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI/MRCP to detect blockages or structural anomalies.
• Endoscopic procedures like ERCP or EUS may be used when bile duct obstruction is suspected.
  
  

💊 Treatment & Management

The primary approach is to identify and treat the underlying cause of jaundice:

✅ Infectious causes:
• Treat viral hepatitis or bacterial infections as appropriate.
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✅ Bile duct obstruction:
• Endoscopic or surgical removal of stones/strictures.
• Stent placement or cholangiography in blocked ducts.

• Surgery when needed
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✅ Liver dysfunction:
• Supportive care for liver diseases and tailored therapies for conditions like cirrhosis, MASLD, or autoimmune liver disease.
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✅ Supportive care:
• Itching relief, hydration, nutritional management.

Jaundice gradually improves as the root problem is treated. Prompt medical attention can prevent complications and support liver recovery. 

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Jaundice accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, confusion, or dark urine may indicate a serious health issue such as bile duct obstruction or cholangitis and requires urgent care

Why Choose Central Gastro for Jaundice Care?

At Central Gastro, we offer:

✔ Comprehensive evaluation by liver and GI specialists
✔ Advanced laboratory testing and imaging services
✔ State-of–the-art endoscopy and interventional procedures
✔ Personalized treatment plans for liver, biliary, and pancreatic disorders