Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes appear yellow because of the buildup of a yellow-brown pigment called bilirubin in the blood and skin.
Bilirubin is produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. The liver normally gets rid of bilirubin in bile (a fluid that helps the body digest fats).
Excess amounts of bilirubin can build up because of rapid destruction of red blood cells, liver diseases (such as hepatitis), blockage of the bile ducts leading from the gallbladder to the small intestine, or other problems. Bilirubin can be measured in the blood, where it is one indicator of a person's liver function.
Other symptoms that may occur as a result of excess bilirubin include dark urine, light-colored or whitish stools, and itching of the skin (pruritis).
If successful, treatment for the underlying cause of jaundice may cause the skin, eyes, urine, and stools to return to their normal color.
How can you care for yourself when you have jaundice?
- Follow your doctor's general advice for how to take care of yourself. Rest when you need it. Eat a variety of healthy foods. And drink plenty of water (unless your doctor tells you not to).
- Avoid alcohol. Your doctor may say to not drink any alcohol until your jaundice is gone. If your jaundice is caused by drinking alcohol, talk with your doctor if you need help to quit. Counseling, support groups, and sometimes medicines can help.
- Be safe with medicines. Do not take any other medicine without talking to your doctor first. This includes over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows all the medicines you take. Some medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), can make liver problems worse.
- If you have itchy skin, taking warm baths and putting moisturizing creams on your skin may help. If this doesn't help, talk to your doctor about medicines that can be used for itching. Follow the instructions on the label.
- If itching affects your sleep, ask your doctor if you can take an antihistamine that might reduce itching and make you sleepy, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Read and follow all instructions on the label.
Jaundice: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have severe trouble breathing.
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You are confused, or your confusion gets worse.
- You have a fever or chills.
- You have severe pain or swelling in your belly.
- You are losing weight without trying.
- You are vomiting or feel sick to your stomach.
- Your urine is dark yellow-brown, or your stools are light-colored.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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