Ask a doctor - Is jaundice harmful?

Q. Is jaundice harmful?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Jaundice itself is not a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. It's when your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow due to an excess of bilirubin in your bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that's created when your body breaks down old red blood cells.

Now, whether jaundice is harmful depends on what's causing it. In some cases, it's just a temporary and relatively harmless issue, but in others, it can indicate a more serious problem.

For example, jaundice can be caused by conditions like hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or gallstones. These are serious conditions that need medical attention. If left untreated, they can lead to complications like liver failure, organ damage, or even death.

On the other hand, jaundice can also be caused by things like newborn jaundice, which is common in infants and usually goes away on its own without any long-term harm.

So, if you or someone you know has jaundice, it's important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause. They can run tests to figure out what's going on and recommend the appropriate treatment. Don't ignore jaundice or try to self-diagnose, as it could be a sign of something serious that needs prompt attention.