Understanding Jaundice

Front

What is jaundice?

Back

Jaundice is defined as yellow discoloration of the skin, mucus membranes, sclera, and body tissue due to the accumulation of bile pigments in the blood.

Front

What is a common symptom of liver diseases?

Back

Jaundice is a common symptom for all liver diseases.

Front

What causes jaundice?

Back

Damage to liver cells leads to an increase in bilirubin, resulting in jaundice. Other causes include increased destruction of RBC, decreased liver function, or obstruction to bile flow.

Front

What are the normal bilirubin levels in the blood?

Back

Normal bilirubin levels are between 0.2 to 0.8 mg/dl.

Front

At what bilirubin level is jaundice clinically detected?

Back

Jaundice is clinically detected when the bilirubin level is above 2.0 to 2.5 mg/dl.

Front

What are common symptoms of jaundice?

Back

Common symptoms include yellow pigmentation of the skin and eyes, pale stools, dark urine, itchiness, fatigue, abdominal pain, weight loss, vomiting, and fever.

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What are the three types of jaundice?

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The three types of jaundice are Hemolytic Jaundice, Hepatic Jaundice, and Obstructive Jaundice.

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What is Hemolytic Jaundice?

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Hemolytic Jaundice, also known as prehepatic jaundice, relates to excessive destruction of RBC, leading to increased bilirubin formation and anemia.

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What is Hepatic Jaundice?

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Hepatic Jaundice occurs when the liver cannot convert fat-soluble bilirubin to water-soluble form, leading to decreased conjugation and hepatocyte damage.

Front

What is Obstructive Jaundice?

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Obstructive Jaundice, or post-hepatic jaundice, results from interference with the normal flow of bile into the duodenum due to stones, tumors, or inflammation.