The organ primarily affected by Piliya (Jaundice) is the liver.
Piliya, commonly known as jaundice, is a condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin, sclera (whites of the eyes), and mucous membranes. This yellowing occurs due to an elevated level of bilirubin, a yellow pigment, in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia).
The liver plays a crucial role in processing bilirubin. Here's how jaundice affects the liver:
- Bilirubin Metabolism: The liver is responsible for conjugating bilirubin, making it water-soluble so it can be excreted in bile.
- Liver Damage: Conditions that damage the liver, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer, can impair its ability to process bilirubin effectively, leading to a buildup in the bloodstream.
- Bile Duct Obstruction: Obstructions in the bile ducts, either within the liver or outside it (e.g., gallstones), can prevent bilirubin from being excreted, causing it to accumulate.
- Pre-Hepatic Jaundice: Certain conditions occurring before the liver (like hemolytic anemia causing excessive red blood cell breakdown) can overwhelm the liver's ability to process bilirubin, although the liver itself might be healthy initially. Eventually, this can strain and affect the liver.
In essence, while jaundice manifests through visible symptoms like yellowing, it's often indicative of an underlying issue within the liver or the processes related to bilirubin metabolism. The liver's compromised function leads directly to the increased bilirubin levels that define jaundice.
