Jaundice
What is Jaundice?
Jaundice is a condition that causes your skin and the whites of your eyes to turn yellow. This yellowing happens when too much bilirubin builds up in your blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that forms when your body breaks down old red blood cells.
Your liver normally processes bilirubin and removes it from your body through bile. When your liver cannot process bilirubin fast enough, or when red blood cells break down too quickly, bilirubin levels rise. This excess bilirubin deposits in your skin and tissues, creating the yellow color.
Jaundice is not a disease itself but a visible sign that something is affecting your liver, bile ducts, or red blood cells. It can happen to people of any age, from newborns to adults. In adults, jaundice often signals an underlying health issue that needs attention.
Symptoms
- Yellowing of the skin, starting with the face and spreading downward
- Yellow tint in the whites of the eyes
- Dark urine that looks like tea or cola
- Pale or clay-colored stools
- Itchy skin all over the body
- Fatigue and weakness
- Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever if infection is present
- Unexplained weight loss
Some people with mild jaundice may not notice symptoms right away. The yellowing becomes more visible as bilirubin levels continue to rise. If you notice any yellowing of your skin or eyes, contact a healthcare provider promptly.
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Causes and risk factors
Jaundice happens when bilirubin builds up faster than your liver can process it. This can occur for several reasons. Liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease can reduce your liver's ability to process bilirubin. Blocked bile ducts from gallstones, tumors, or inflammation prevent bilirubin from leaving your body. Certain blood disorders cause red blood cells to break down too quickly, creating more bilirubin than normal.
Risk factors include heavy alcohol use, which damages liver cells over time. Viral infections like hepatitis A, B, or C increase your risk. Some medications and herbal supplements can affect liver function. Genetic conditions like Gilbert's syndrome cause mild, lifelong jaundice. Autoimmune diseases can attack your liver or red blood cells. Pancreatic cancer or other tumors near the bile ducts can block bilirubin flow. Newborns often develop jaundice because their livers are still maturing.
How it's diagnosed
Healthcare providers diagnose jaundice by examining your skin and eyes and asking about your symptoms. Blood tests are essential for confirming jaundice and finding its cause. A bilirubin test measures the total amount of bilirubin in your blood. Elevated levels confirm jaundice, while the specific pattern helps identify whether the problem is in your liver, bile ducts, or blood cells.
Rite Aid offers bilirubin testing as an add-on to our flagship health panel. You can get tested at any Quest Diagnostics location near you, with results reviewed by our medical team. Additional tests may include liver function panels, complete blood counts, and imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans to identify the underlying cause.
Treatment options
- Treat the underlying cause, such as managing hepatitis, removing gallstones, or addressing blood disorders
- Stop drinking alcohol completely if liver damage is present
- Avoid medications and supplements that stress the liver
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein
- Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day
- Get adequate rest to support liver recovery
- Take prescribed medications like ursodiol for bile duct problems or antiviral drugs for hepatitis
- Consider phototherapy for newborns with jaundice
- Undergo procedures to remove bile duct blockages if needed
- Work with a hepatologist for chronic liver conditions
Need testing for Jaundice? Add it to your panel.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
In adults, jaundice usually results from liver disease, blocked bile ducts, or blood disorders. Liver conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease are common causes. Gallstones blocking bile ducts and certain medications can also trigger jaundice. A blood test measuring bilirubin levels helps identify the specific cause.
The duration of jaundice depends on its underlying cause. Newborn jaundice often clears within one to two weeks. Jaundice from viral hepatitis may last several weeks to months as the liver heals. Jaundice caused by blocked bile ducts may resolve quickly once the blockage is removed.
Mild jaundice in newborns often resolves without treatment. In adults, jaundice rarely goes away without addressing the underlying cause. Untreated jaundice can signal serious liver or bile duct problems that worsen over time. Anyone with yellowing skin or eyes should see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis.
Avoid alcohol completely, as it stresses the liver and worsens damage. Limit processed foods, fried foods, and foods high in saturated fat. Reduce sugar intake, which can contribute to fatty liver disease. Focus on whole foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains to support liver health.
Jaundice itself is not contagious. However, some causes of jaundice, like hepatitis A, B, or C, are contagious viruses. These infections spread through contaminated food, blood, or bodily fluids. If jaundice results from a non-infectious cause like gallstones or genetic conditions, it cannot spread to others.
Normal total bilirubin levels range from 0.1 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter in adults. Levels above 2.5 to 3.0 milligrams per deciliter usually cause visible jaundice. Newborns have higher normal ranges because their livers are still developing. Your healthcare provider interprets results based on your age and overall health.
Stress does not directly cause jaundice. However, chronic stress can worsen existing liver conditions or weaken your immune system. Stress may also lead to unhealthy behaviors like drinking alcohol or poor diet choices. These behaviors can contribute to liver damage and jaundice over time.
Jaundice is a symptom, not a disease itself. It signals that something is wrong with your liver, bile ducts, or blood cells. Liver disease is a broader term for conditions that damage the liver, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. Many liver diseases cause jaundice, but not everyone with liver disease develops visible yellowing.
Jaundice itself does not cause permanent damage. However, the underlying conditions causing jaundice can lead to serious complications if untreated. Severe liver disease can progress to cirrhosis or liver failure. High bilirubin levels in newborns can rarely cause brain damage if not treated promptly.
See a doctor immediately if you notice yellowing of your skin or eyes. Seek urgent care if jaundice comes with severe abdominal pain, confusion, or vomiting. Dark urine, pale stools, and intense itching along with yellowing also require prompt evaluation. Early diagnosis helps prevent complications from underlying conditions.