Ask a doctor - What deficiency causes jaundice?

Q. What deficiency causes jaundice?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Jaundice occurs when there's a buildup of a yellow pigment called bilirubin in your blood. Bilirubin is a waste product produced when red blood cells break down. Normally, your liver processes bilirubin and then your body gets rid of it through your stool. However, if something interferes with this process, bilirubin can build up, leading to jaundice.

There are several reasons why this process might get disrupted:

1. Liver Problems: If your liver isn't working properly due to conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer, it may not be able to process bilirubin efficiently.

2. Blockage of Bile Ducts: Bile ducts are the tubes that carry bile (a fluid that helps digest fats) from your liver to your gallbladder and small intestine. If these ducts get blocked by gallstones, tumors, or inflammation, bile can't flow properly, causing bilirubin to build up.

3. Hemolytic Anemia: This is a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than your body can replace them. When red blood cells break down rapidly, more bilirubin is produced, overwhelming the liver's ability to process it.

4. Gilbert's Syndrome: This is a common, harmless condition where the liver doesn't process bilirubin properly, leading to mild jaundice. It's usually not a cause for concern.

5. Medications: Certain medications can affect how your liver functions or cause bile duct blockages, leading to jaundice as a side effect.

6. Infections: Infections such as malaria or certain types of hepatitis can affect liver function, leading to jaundice.

If you develop jaundice, it's important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Depending on the cause, treatment may involve addressing the underlying condition, such as treating liver disease or removing gallstones, to help restore normal bilirubin processing and alleviate jaundice.