Jaundice is a symptom, not a disease, resulting from high bilirubin levels in the blood (a condition called hyperbilirubinemia). Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when the body breaks down old red blood cells. When bilirubin levels are elevated, it deposits in the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes, causing a yellow discoloration—this is jaundice.
Understanding Bilirubin and its Levels
High bilirubin, or hyperbilirubinemia, is the underlying medical condition. The level of bilirubin in the blood is measured through a blood test. Normal bilirubin levels vary depending on age, with newborns having a wider normal range (1.0 to 12.0 mg/dL) than adults. [Source: Cleveland Clinic] High bilirubin can stem from various issues, including liver or bile duct problems. [Source: Mayo Clinic]
Jaundice: The Visible Sign of High Bilirubin
Jaundice is the visible manifestation of hyperbilirubinemia. The yellowing of the skin and eyes is caused by the buildup of bilirubin in body tissues. [Source: MedlinePlus, UpToDate] In newborns, this is common, often described as physiologic jaundice, but excessively high levels can necessitate treatment. [Source: Mayo Clinic, AAFP] Even with breastfed babies, elevated bilirubin can cause jaundice (breast milk jaundice). [Source: Mount Sinai] However, not all cases of elevated bilirubin lead to clinically apparent jaundice; the yellowing is only noticeable when the level exceeds a certain threshold.
Key Differences Summarized:
- High bilirubin (hyperbilirubinemia): A medical condition—an elevated level of bilirubin in the blood, detectable through a blood test.
- Jaundice: A symptom—the visible yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes due to excessive bilirubin in the body tissues. It's a consequence of hyperbilirubinemia.
In essence, high bilirubin is the cause, and jaundice is the effect. One can have high bilirubin without noticeable jaundice, but jaundice always indicates high bilirubin.
