Jaundice is the yellowing of the sclera (white part of the eye) and skin as a result of the presence of a substance called bilirubin in the bloodstream in excess of normal. Although jaundice is used as a disease term among the people, it is a medical symptom, disorders in many organ systems can lead to the development of jaundice. They do this thanks to the hemoglobin molecule. The red blood cells that have completed their life and the hemoglobin in them are broken down in the liver and spleen. Bilirubin is formed as a result of the breakdown of the hemoglobin molecule.
Jaundice can be seen in adults and newborns due to different reasons. In this article, we will summarize the causes and treatments for jaundice in adults.
You can find detailed information about neonatal jaundice at the address Newborn Jaundice. is color dyeing.
What are the Causes of Jaundice?
- Hemolytic anemias,
- Hepatitis A, B, C (infectious jaundice diseases due to viruses) ,
- Alcohol,
- Autoimmune diseases (diseases due to immune system disorders),
- Rare genetic metabolic diseases,
- Medicines ,
- Gallbladder stones,
- Gallbladder inflammation,
- Gallbladder cancers,
- Pancreatic tumors,
- Malignant (malignant) diseases of the liver.
What are the Symptoms of Jaundice?
- Jaundice in the whites of the eyes and skin,
- Itching,
- Darkening of urine color and lightening of stool color,
- Weakness and fatigue,
- Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting,
- Abdominal pain,
- Fever.
How to Diagnose Jaundice
Physical examination findings and blood test for diagnosis of jaundice placed with the results. In blood tests, blood and urine bilirubin levels, which are indicated as jaundice test, are examined for possible underlying diseases such as liver functions.
Disease that causes jaundice. Advanced radiological imaging such as abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography are required for the detection of n. By determining which organ system the underlying pathology belongs to, treatment planning is started.
How to Treat Jaundice?
If the cause of jaundice is hemolytic (destruction of red blood cells),
- Folic acid supplementation and spleen surgery in sickle cell anemia,
- bone marrow replacement if necessary,
- Anemia is corrected by replenishing iron stores.
In addition to blood and urine tests, abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography can be used to detect problems that occur. The imaging method called MRI-CP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) is a sensitive method for detecting abnormalities in the bile ducts. Endoscopically applied ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancretogram) can be used in the diagnosis and treatment stages. If endoscopic treatment cannot be applied due to the localization of the stone or various conditions, it can be intervened with laparoscopic surgery or open surgical applications. If the obstruction is due to malignant disease of the liver, extensive resection (removal of that area) is performed. If jaundice is due to cirrhosis, medical treatment is started.
Liver transplantation is performed in cases that have progressed to liver failure.
As there is no drug treatment for infectious (viral) causes such as hepatitis A, B or C, the patient is given support and rest treatment. Since hepatitis A is contagious through the mouth and faeces, the patient is isolated. Since hepatitis B and C are transmitted by blood and secretions, the infectivity of the patient is limited. It is followed at rest and whether jaundice antibodies appear in the blood (whether the disease is defeated). If hepatitis C becomes chronic, patients are candidates for liver transplantation. Because, Close follow-up is important. You can find more detailed information about hepatitis C here.
What is Acute and Chronic Hepatitis?
Jaundice is a symptom most commonly seen in disorders involving the liver. The terms "acute hepatitis" and "chronic hepatitis" are frequently used. This evaluation is made according to the duration of the disease. Acute hepatitis is the inability of the liver to function for less than 6 months; On the other hand, chronic hepatitis can be roughly defined as a duration longer than 6 months.
Viral hepatitis (A, B, C) are considered among acute hepatitis. Since hepatitis C becomes chronic at a rate of 85%, the potential for chronic hepatitis is high.
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