CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS FOR JAUNDICE IN ADULTS
Also known
as icterus, Jaundice is the term used
to describe the yellowish discoloration of the skin, membranes of the mucus,
and of the whites of the eyes. It is caused due to the elevated levels of the
chemical bilirubin (more than 2.5-3
milligrams per deciliter) which is a waste product that stays in the
bloodstream after iron is separated from hemoglobin in our red blood cells.
Gastroenterologists also call it hyperbilirubinemia. Jaundice in adults is mainly caused due to the dysfunction of the natural metabolism or abnormal excretion of bilirubin. The seriousness or severity of these symptoms depends on the causes that are underlying. It also depends on how slowly or quickly it progresses.
CAUSES OF JAUNDICE IN ADULTS:
1. BILE DUCT OBSTRUCTION:
Occurrence of an obstruction present in the bile duct
prevents the liver from secreting the chemical bilirubin. Inflammation caused
in the bile duct also prevents the smooth secretion of bile and the removal of
bilirubin, which causes jaundice.
2. HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA:
The production of bilirubin increases substantially when red
blood cells are broken down in large quantities. Gastroenterologists suggest
that this causes the condition hemolytic anemia.
3. CHOLETASIS:
In this condition the flow of bile through the liver is interrupted.
Gastroenterologists theorize that this unutilized bile combines with bilirubin
gets trapped inside the liver instead of being excreted out.
4. LIVER INFLAMMATION:
An inflamed liver impairs the ability for it to combine and
secrete bilirubin resulting in a build up inside the liver.
5.
GILBERT’S SYNDROME:
Found in almost 12% of the population, this genetic disorder
causes the liver to produce excessive levels of unbroken bilirubin into the
bloodstream. Under stressful conditions this syndrome can be the prime trigger
for jaundice.
SYMPTOMS OF JAUNDICE IN ADULTS INCLUDE:
1. YELLOWING :
The classic sign of jaundice. One of the biggest and the
most obvious symptoms of jaundice includes discoloration of the skin into a
yellow tinge. Not only skin but the whites present in the eyes also turn
yellow. Along with this, the mucus membrane present inside the mouth and nose
also turn into a yellowish tinge.
2. UNDERLYING CONDITIONS:
Some unidentified conditions like, flu fever, stomach pain,
itching, weight loss, random chills, can also cause severe jaundice.
3. PAIN IN THE ABDOMINAL REGION:
The blockage of the bile duct causes severe abdominal pain.
This is among one of the most common symptoms for jaundice in adults.
4. UNUSUAL EXCREMENT:
The symptoms for jaundice is confirmed once the patient
starts excreting dark urine and stools that are paler than the usual.
5. PAINLESS JAUNDICE:
Gastroenterologist suggest that the type of jaundice where no abdominal pain is experienced, is caused due to the obstruction of the bile duct. In such cases, one should look out for signs of weight loss, soft or loose stools, apart from yellowing of the skin.