Jaundice
Description
Jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to excess bilirubin (a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down). It is a symptom rather than a disease and can result from liver disease, gallbladder issues, or blood disorders. Common causes include: Liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure), blocked bile ducts (gallstones, tumors), and Hemolytic anemia (rapid breakdown of red blood cells). Symptoms include yellow skin and eyes, dark urine, pale stools, fatigue, abdominal pain, and itching. In newborns, jaundice is common and usually resolves within two weeks, but severe cases may lead to brain damage (kernicterus). Diagnosis involves blood tests (bilirubin levels, liver function tests), ultrasound, and CT scans. Treatment depends on the cause and may include phototherapy (for newborns), medications, surgery (for bile duct blockages), or lifestyle changes (for liver disease).