What most people think is that jaundice is a disease; rather, it is not. In fact, the condition is a symptom of an underlying health issue. Jaundice is caused when there is an excess deposition of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is formed as a breakdown of red blood cells. As a result, patients suffering from jaundice have their skin, whites of the eyes and mucous membranes turn yellow.

There are several causes of jaundice. Among the many, the most common is a liver disease. In this blog, we will understand the link between jaundice and liver disorders, along with the risk factors that are responsible for it.

Jaundice And Liver Disease: What’s The Link?

The liver has an important role in the processing of bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cells. When the red blood cells break down, they get released into the blood. The liver sorts bilirubin with other waste products into the bile ducts, which is then excreted from the body through the intestines. Bilirubin is yellow in colour, which also colours the stool.

When the liver functions poorly, it fails to remove the bilirubin from the blood, which results in its build-up in the blood, leading to jaundice.

Now, the poor functioning of the liver can be the result of various conditions. According to the opinion of a jaundice treatment doctor, the major health issues of the liver include fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis and even cancer. These disorders inflame and damage the liver, thereby hindering its functions. Hence, whenever any individual notices the yellowing of the skin and eyes, it is always advisable to go for early detection to identify the actual reason. Timely screening helps doctors to manage the condition more effectively, which in turn prevents serious complications.

What Other Conditions Lead To Jaundice?

Take a look at the following conditions that can also give rise to jaundice.

• Taking of certain drugs (such as an overdose of acetaminophen) or reactions to other medicines or exposure to poisons.
• Birth defects or disorders present since birth that make it hard for the body to break down bilirubin (such as Gilbert syndrome)
• Gallstones or gallbladder disorders causing blockage of the bile duct
  Blood disorders
• Cancer of the pancreas
• Bile buildup in the gallbladder because of pressure in the belly area during pregnancy (jaundice of pregnancy)

Is Jaundice Treatable?

Yes, jaundice is a treble condition, but it depends upon the underlying cause. For instance, if the problem is related to the liver, medications are prescribed to cure the issue. On the other hand, if it is due to blockage in the bile ducts, surgery might be done to remove the stones and allow the bile to flow naturally.
In addition to this, dietary precautions are also suggested to support the liver function and aid in the recovery process.

Conclusion

Yellowing of the skin is a clear sign that it’s time to visit a jaundice treatment doctor and go for bilirubin. With prompt care, many patients have recovered from jaundice and are leading a healthy life.