Jaundice isn't itself a disease with stages; it's a symptom indicating an underlying issue, often related to liver problems or blocked bile ducts. Therefore, there isn't a "last stage" of jaundice. Instead, the severity of jaundice reflects the progression of the underlying condition. For instance, persistent or recurring jaundice can be a symptom of end-stage liver disease, as noted by the Mayo Clinic and UChicago Medicine. In this context, the persistence and intensity of the jaundice would indicate the worsening of the underlying liver disease, not a stage of jaundice itself.
The progression of the underlying disease (e.g., liver failure, liver cancer, or biliary obstruction) will have different stages, and jaundice's intensity may correlate with these stages. For example, in end-stage liver disease, persistent jaundice is often present alongside other serious symptoms like:
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Intense itching
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Swelling due to fluid buildup
These symptoms, including the persistent jaundice, are indicative of the advanced and worsening condition, not stages of jaundice in itself.
In summary, the severity and persistence of jaundice can reflect the progression of an underlying illness, but jaundice itself does not have distinct stages.
