JAUNDICE
Jaundice is a symptom that always indicates serious disease. A yellow discoloration of all the body tissues gradually becomes visible in the skin and whites of the eyes due to deposits of bilirubin. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment which is produced when old or damaged red blood cells are broken down in the spleen. The pigment is then normally removed by the liver and discharged as bile into the intestines to help digestion. Here it contributes to the brown colors of the stools.
A number of diseases may cause an abnormal excess of this yellow pigment to be produced. The excess is then deposited in the body tissues and some passes into the urine, giving it a dark brown color.
Jaundice may be difficult to recognize in its early stages and may take anything from a few days to several weeks to develop. Often darkened urine and cream colored stools are noticed first. The changed color of the skin may be especially difficult to see in artificial light and in red-haired or dark-skinned individuals. The presence of the pigment in the skin often leads to a troublesome itch. Jaundice may be caused by many different disorders. Excess of yellow bilirubin is produced in three different ways.
JAUNDICE CAUSED BY LIVER DAMAGE Infections are usually responsible for this type for jaundice, Known medically as HEPATITIS. Viral or infective hepatitis is common and occurs in epidemics; a more serious form may occasionally follow blood transfusions and injections. Other infections which may be the cause are GLANDULAR FEVER, LEPTOSPIROSIS, MALARIA AND AMOEBIASIS. Jaundice from the liver damage may also occasionally follow ALCHOLISM, chemical poisons and pregnancy.
JAUNDICE CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE DESTRUCTION OF RED BLOOD CELLS This type, known medically as haemolysis, occurs in most normal babies three to five days after birth. Once new born baby uses its lungs, less blood is needed and a transient slight jaundice develops as the baby's spleen removes the excess blood. Urine and stools retain their normal colour in all jaundice of hemolytic origin. These are sickle-cell ANAEMIA, RHESUS IMCOMPATIBILTU and THALASSAEMIA MAJOR.
OBSTRUCTIVE JAUNDICE Here, jaundice follows disorders in which bile is prevented from being discharged through the bile ducts into intestine. They include GALLSTONES and CANCER of the pancreas and bowel.
WHEN TO CONSULT THE DOCTOR
TREATMENT IN THE HOME
WHAT THE DOCTOR WILL DO
Jaundice is a symptom that always indicates serious disease. A yellow discoloration of all the body tissues gradually becomes visible in the skin and whites of the eyes due to deposits of bilirubin. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment which is produced when old or damaged red blood cells are broken down in the spleen. The pigment is then normally removed by the liver and discharged as bile into the intestines to help digestion. Here it contributes to the brown colors of the stools.
A number of diseases may cause an abnormal excess of this yellow pigment to be produced. The excess is then deposited in the body tissues and some passes into the urine, giving it a dark brown color.
Jaundice may be difficult to recognize in its early stages and may take anything from a few days to several weeks to develop. Often darkened urine and cream colored stools are noticed first. The changed color of the skin may be especially difficult to see in artificial light and in red-haired or dark-skinned individuals. The presence of the pigment in the skin often leads to a troublesome itch. Jaundice may be caused by many different disorders. Excess of yellow bilirubin is produced in three different ways.
JAUNDICE CAUSED BY LIVER DAMAGE Infections are usually responsible for this type for jaundice, Known medically as HEPATITIS. Viral or infective hepatitis is common and occurs in epidemics; a more serious form may occasionally follow blood transfusions and injections. Other infections which may be the cause are GLANDULAR FEVER, LEPTOSPIROSIS, MALARIA AND AMOEBIASIS. Jaundice from the liver damage may also occasionally follow ALCHOLISM, chemical poisons and pregnancy.
JAUNDICE CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE DESTRUCTION OF RED BLOOD CELLS This type, known medically as haemolysis, occurs in most normal babies three to five days after birth. Once new born baby uses its lungs, less blood is needed and a transient slight jaundice develops as the baby's spleen removes the excess blood. Urine and stools retain their normal colour in all jaundice of hemolytic origin. These are sickle-cell ANAEMIA, RHESUS IMCOMPATIBILTU and THALASSAEMIA MAJOR.
OBSTRUCTIVE JAUNDICE Here, jaundice follows disorders in which bile is prevented from being discharged through the bile ducts into intestine. They include GALLSTONES and CANCER of the pancreas and bowel.
WHEN TO CONSULT THE DOCTOR
As soon as jaundice is suspected. Even jaundice of a new baby, which is probably quite normal, should be discussed with doctor or midwife.
TREATMENT IN THE HOME
None, Consult your doctor if you suspect jaundice. ·
If necessary, take sedative in recommended doses to relieve irritation.
WHAT THE DOCTOR WILL DO
Investigate and treat the possible causes. This often requires hospital investigation or treatment