Ask a doctor - What is the cause of the jaundice?

Q. What is the cause of the jaundice?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Jaundice occurs when there's too much bilirubin in your bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that forms when your body breaks down old red blood cells. Normally, your liver processes bilirubin and excretes it through bile, which is a fluid produced by the liver to help with digestion. However, if your liver can't process the bilirubin efficiently or if there's an excessive breakdown of red blood cells, bilirubin can build up in your bloodstream, leading to jaundice.

There are several reasons why this might happen:

1. Liver diseases: Conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer can impair the liver's ability to process bilirubin.

2. Infections: Viral infections such as hepatitis A, B, or C can directly affect the liver and cause jaundice.

3. Bile duct obstruction: Blockages in the bile ducts due to gallstones, tumors, or inflammation can prevent bile from leaving the liver, leading to jaundice.

4. Hemolytic disorders: Conditions where there's an increased breakdown of red blood cells, such as sickle cell anemia or certain types of infections, can result in excess bilirubin production.

5. Medications: Some medications can cause liver damage or interfere with bilirubin processing, leading to jaundice as a side effect.

6. Genetic conditions: Inherited disorders like Gilbert's syndrome can affect the liver's ability to process bilirubin efficiently, leading to mild jaundice.

In summary, jaundice is often a symptom of an underlying condition affecting the liver, bile ducts, or red blood cell breakdown. It's essential to identify and treat the underlying cause to manage jaundice effectively. If you or someone you know is experiencing jaundice, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.