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19-07-2024 Team Medicover Public-Health

Different Types of Jaundice

Jaundice is a condition that causes skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. It occurs because of a high level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that's produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Understanding the types of jaundice can help identify the underlying causes and appropriate treatments.

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Types of Jaundice

Jaundice can be classified into several types based on where the problem originates: before the liver (pre-hepatic), within the liver (hepatic or hepatocellular), or after the liver (post-hepatic or obstructive).

Pre-Hepatic Jaundice

Pre-hepatic jaundice occurs before bilirubin gets to the liver. It usually results from an increased breakdown of red blood cells, leading to a higher level of unconjugated bilirubin. This type is also known as hemolytic jaundice.

Causes

Hemolytic anemia
Sickle cell disease
Malaria
Thalassemia

Symptoms

Fatigue
Pale skin
Shortness of breath
Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Treatment

Treatment focuses on the underlying cause. For example, managing hemolytic anemia or treating infections like malaria.

Hepatocellular Jaundice

Hepatocellular jaundice occurs due to liver disease or damage, affecting the liver's ability to process bilirubin. This type is also known as hepatic jaundice.

Causes

Hepatitis
Cirrhosis
Alcoholic liver disease
Liver cancer

Symptoms

Abdominal pain
Swelling in the legs and abdomen
Dark urine
Pale stools
Fatigue

Treatment

Treatment depends on the specific liver condition. It may include medications, lifestyle changes, or, in severe cases, a liver transplant.

Post-Hepatic Jaundice

Post-hepatic jaundice, also known as obstructive jaundice, occurs when a blockage in the bile ducts prevents bilirubin from being eliminated from the body.

Causes

Gallstones
Tumors
Pancreatitis
Bile duct cysts

Symptoms

Severe itching
Dark urine
Pale stools
Abdominal pain
Weight loss

Treatment

Treatment involves removing the obstruction. This could be done through surgery, endoscopy, or other medical procedures.

Special Types of Jaundice

Neonatal Jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is common in newborns and usually harmless. It occurs because a newborn's liver isn't mature enough to remove bilirubin efficiently.

Causes

Premature birth
Breastfeeding
Blood type incompatibility

Symptoms

Yellowing of the skin and eyes
Poor feeding
Lethargy

Treatment

Most cases resolve on their own. Severe cases might require phototherapy or blood transfusions.

Hemolytic Jaundice

Hemolytic jaundice is a type of pre-hepatic jaundice caused by the rapid breakdown of red blood cells.

Causes

Autoimmune diseases
Genetic disorders
Infections

Symptoms

Dark urine
Pale stools
Fatigue
Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Treatment

Treating the underlying condition, such as autoimmune diseases or infections, is crucial.

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Diagnosing Jaundice

Diagnosing jaundice involves several tests to determine bilirubin levels and identify the underlying cause.

Bilirubin Levels

A blood test measures the amount of bilirubin in the blood. High levels indicate jaundice.

Liver Function Tests

These tests assess how well the liver is working and help identify liver diseases.

Imaging Tests

Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI can help identify blockages in the bile ducts or liver abnormalities.

Blood Tests

Other blood tests can help diagnose conditions like hemolytic anemia or infections.

When to See a Doctor

It's essential to see a doctor if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain, dark urine, or pale stools. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of jaundice is crucial for identifying the underlying causes and seeking appropriate treatment. Whether it's pre-hepatic, hepatocellular, or post-hepatic jaundice, each type has specific causes, symptoms, and treatments. If you or a loved one shows signs of jaundice, consult a healthcare provider or visit Medicover Hospitals for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

The three types of jaundice are:

Pre-Hepatic Jaundice: Caused by excessive breakdown of red blood cells before they reach the liver, leading to high levels of unconjugated bilirubin. Common causes include hemolytic anemia and malaria.
Hepatic Jaundice: Resulting from liver diseases or damage that impair the liver's ability to process bilirubin. Conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer are common causes.
Post-Hepatic Jaundice: Caused by obstruction of bile flow after it leaves the liver, leading to high levels of conjugated bilirubin. This can be due to gallstones, tumors, or strictures in the bile ducts.

The type of neonatal jaundice is primarily physiological jaundice, which is common in newborns and typically appears within the first week of life. It is caused by the immature liver's inability to process and remove bilirubin efficiently. Other types include breastfeeding jaundice and breast milk jaundice.

Pre-hepatic jaundice occurs when red blood cells are excessively broken down before reaching the liver, leading to elevated unconjugated bilirubin levels. It is not related to liver function or bile flow obstruction.
Post-hepatic jaundice Results from an obstruction in the bile ducts after the liver has processed bilirubin, causing elevated conjugated bilirubin levels. It is associated with issues in bile flow, such as gallstones or tumors.

Treatment options for physiological jaundice in newborns include:

Phototherapy: Using special blue light to break down bilirubin in the baby's skin.
Increased Feeding: Ensuring the baby is well-hydrated and fed frequently to promote bilirubin excretion through stool.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg): In cases of blood group incompatibility, IVIg can reduce the breakdown of red blood cells.
Exchange Transfusion: In severe cases, replacing the baby's blood with donor blood to rapidly decrease bilirubin levels.

Lifestyle changes that can help manage jaundice symptoms include:

Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to support liver health.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water to help flush out toxins and bilirubin.
Avoid Alcohol: Refraining from alcohol to reduce liver strain and prevent further liver damage.
Medication Management: Taking medications as prescribed and avoiding drugs that can harm the liver.
Regular Check-Ups: Monitoring liver function and overall health with regular medical check-ups.