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Do You Notice Yellow Discolouration Of Body? Expert Explains Jaundice In Details
Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed an unexpected hint of yellow in your skin or the whites of your eyes? This can be an indication of a health condition called jaundice. It is characterised by the increase of bilirubin in the body, leading to the yellowish discolouration of the eyes and urine. It can manifest in various forms, with different underlying causes. We spoke to Dr Rakesh Kumar Jagdish, Consultant Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Medicine, Metro Hospitals and Heart Institute, Noida Sector 11, Uttar Pradesh, who explained this condition, its signs, causes, and treatment.
What Is JaundiceJaundice, medically known as icterus, is characterised by the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. It happens when the bloodstream has an excessive amount of bilirubin, a yellow pigment created during the destruction of red blood cells. Typically, bilirubin is processed by the liver and excreted through the bile. However, when this process is disrupted, bilirubin accumulates in the body, leading to the telltale yellow discolouration.
According to StatPearls, in the first week, jaundice affects about 20% of term newborns, mostly because of an immature hepatic conjugation mechanism. Jaundice in infancy or childhood can also be brought on by congenital abnormalities, excess hemolysis production, poor bilirubin absorption, and poor conjugation.
Also Read: From Swelling To Jaundice: 6 Signs of Fatty Liver Disease Visible On Your Face
Signs of JaundiceThe most prominent sign of jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and eyes. However, there are other subtle indicators to watch for:
Jaundice can be classified into different types based on its underlying causes:
Pre-Hepatic JaundiceDr Jagdish said, "This type results from haemolysis, a process where red blood cells break down, leading to an increase in bilirubin levels. It does not affect liver enzymes and is often associated with certain types of anaemia."
Hepatocellular JaundiceInflammation or infection of the liver, known as hepatitis, can result in hepatocellular jaundice. Here, bilirubin levels increase along with liver enzyme levels. Several conditions, including alcohol-related hepatitis, viral hepatitis (A, B, C, E), autoimmune hepatitis, drug-induced hepatitis, Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and more, can lead to this type of jaundice.
Obstructive JaundiceThis form occurs when the bile ducts, which carry bile from the liver to the intestines, become blocked, hampering the flow of bile. Conditions such as Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), cholangiocarcinoma, Common Bile Duct (CBD) stones, pancreatic cancer, gallbladder cancer, and periampullary cancer can lead to obstructive jaundice.
Also Read: Understanding Fatty Liver Disease: Expert Lists Swelling and Other Physical Signs
Importance of Early Diagnosis and ManagementDr Jagdish said, "Timely diagnosis and management are vital for treating jaundice effectively. Identifying the underlying cause is the first step, followed by understanding the severity and stage of the disease. Treatment should be tailored according to these factors, taking into account the specific cause, stages, and severity of the condition."
How To Treat JaundiceThe treatment of jaundice depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition:
While certain causes of jaundice are unavoidable, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk:
The information provided in this article is provided by the expert and is for informational purposes only. If you notice any symptoms, visit your expert immediately.
Causes Of Increased Hepatitis Risk In Monsoon
Gastrointestinal problems, including liver diseases, surge during the monsoon season owing to factors such as contaminated water and food hence, there are a large number of people who are detected with hepatitis A and E during the rainy season. People should take precautionary measures to keep liver problems at bay and lead a healthy life and avoid eating unclean raw food and vegetables, give up on street food as it can be made with contaminated water, get vaccinated for hepatitis and take medication prescribed by the doctor only.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Harshad Joshi, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Apollo Spectra in Mumbai, shared, "Monsoon is synonymous with a host of gastrointestinal problems including hepatitis infection. From children to adults to senior citizens, anyone can suffer from liver problems. "Contamination during rainy seasons leads to stomach infections. The common stomach infections are dysentery and diarrhea causing stomach pain, loose motions, and nausea. Typhoid is a serious bacterial infection causing High fever, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Hepatitis A and Jaundice can also give one a tough time. Hepatitis A means inflammation (swelling) of the liver. Poor sanitation, and water and food contamination raise the chances of dysfunction. One will suffer from jaundice leading to yellow eyes, yellow urine, white stools and stomach pain."
Dr Vikas Pandey, Gastroenterologist at Zynova Shalby Hospital, highlighted, "Liver infections or hepatitis cases are on the rise during monsoon owing to A and E viruses. One gets hepatitis A or E because of contaminated food or water or from close contact with an infected person. Eating food available on the streets or opting for pre-cut fruits that may be washed with contaminated water, drinking juices, and having pani puris, gola, sherbet made from contaminated water or ice, unclean raw food, and vegetables can make one prone to hepatitis. In 2021, 110 people suffering from liver and gastrointestinal diseases were treated during monsoon. In 2022, the number of patients increased to 326 patients. This year, when the rainy season has just started, 220 patients suffering from liver problems and gastrointestinal diseases have been found. Water intake is greatly reduced during monsoons. It increases liver and stomach-related disorders. So it is very important to drink enough water irrespective of the season."Dr Vikram Raut, Director of Liver Transplantation and HPB Surgery at Medicover Hospitals in Navi Mumbai, revealed, "Hepatitis A and E can take a toll on one's overall well-being. It can steal one's peace of mind as if left untreated, they can damage the liver. Hepatitis A and E presents as jaundice when the skin and the eyes turn yellow. One's condition can worsen when he/she doesn't seek timely treatment leading to acute liver failure and ultimately liver transplantation."
Talking about the treatment and preventive measures, Dr Harshad Joshi suggested, "The treatment will be based on symptoms and differ from one-person-to-another. Take the medication prescribed by the doctor only. Avoid eating raw food and vegetables or street food and boil the water before drinking. Juices and other drinks are a strict no-no as they may contain contaminated ice, do not eat pre-cut fruits available at roadside stalls, wash hands from time to time."
Source: Hindustan Times
Signs And Symptoms Of Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that can infect your liver and cause a variety of symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, fever, and jaundice (or, the yellowing of your eyes). Most people who contract hepatitis A usually experience symptoms suddenly. You may notice symptoms within two to four weeks after being exposed to the hepatitis A virus. However, some people, especially young children, might not notice any symptoms at all.
Symptoms of hepatitis A tend to go away within two to seven weeks, even without treatment. However, in about 10-15% of people, milder symptoms may come and go for up to six months. Fortunately, unlike other types of hepatitis viruses, hepatitis A does not lead to permanent, chronic liver infection or disease.
Hepatitis A can cause symptoms of general illness. These include: Stomach pain: Often occurs on the right side of your abdomen, underneath your ribs. This is where the liver is located. Sometimes, the pain can also spread out to your abdomen and back. Nausea and vomiting: This may feel like an uneasiness in your stomach and the need to throw up. You might also have trouble keeping food and fluids down. Fever: You might develop a high temperature when you first start having symptoms, which can eventually subside after a few days. Fatigue: It's common to feel exhausted when you contract the virus. You may notice yourself sleeping more than usual or feel tired even after getting enough rest. Malaise: A general feeling of being unwell or lethargic. Body aches: Some people experience pain in their muscles and joints—similar to body aches you might feel when you have the flu or common cold. Jaundice: This can cause your skin and the whites of your eyes to yellow. People with fair skin may notice yellowing on their skin, while people with darker skin often notice yellowing in their eyes. The yellow color can occur because of high levels of bilirubin (a substance your liver makes) in your body, which can increase when you have a liver infection. Changes in urine color: High bilirubin levels can also cause your pee to become darker. This happens because bilirubin isn't leaving your system as it should, causing an excess amount of the substance in your liver and intestines. In some cases, hepatitis A can cause uncommon symptoms that affect other systems of your body. These symptoms can sometimes be serious. It's important to watch for the following symptoms if you have hepatitis A or are experiencing common symptoms of the infection: In less than 0.5% of people, hepatitis A infection prevents the liver from performing its normal functions. This is a serious complication that can cause liver failure. Liver failure from hepatitis A most often occurs in older adults who already have an underlying living condition. If the condition is left untreated, they may need a liver transplant to restore the liver's function. Generally, Hepatitis A can cause symptoms in older children and adults. Young children may not even know they have the infection. In fact, only 30% of children ages five or younger display symptoms of hepatitis A. If young children do get symptoms, they look similar to the symptoms that adults experience—such as fever and stomach pain. But, it's important to note that young children usually don't experience jaundice. In contrast, more than 70% of older children and adults have jaundice during the infection. If you were exposed to hepatitis A or are experiencing symptoms of the infection, it's vital to seek care from a healthcare provider to help manage your condition and treat symptoms. This might happen if you know you ate contaminated food or if you had sexual or close contact with someone who has hepatitis A. Sometimes, you may not know if you've been exposed to the infection. That said, it's still important if you notice common symptoms of hepatitis A, such as fever or jaundice. General symptoms of hepatitis can often look like other illnesses. It's still important to see your provider even if your symptoms seem mild. Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects your liver. If you contract the infection, it's common to experience symptoms such as jaundice, nausea, stomach pain, fatigue, and fever. It's worth noting that young children with the infection might not experience symptoms at all. Symptoms of the infection often arise suddenly—generally, two to four weeks after exposure to the virus. In most people, symptoms go away within several weeks. But, some people may notice that mild symptoms come and go over a period of several months.
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