Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, not a disease itself. Several diseases and conditions can cause jaundice.
Here are some of the main causes:
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Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections (like hepatitis A, B, or C), alcohol abuse, or autoimmune diseases, can impair the liver's ability to process bilirubin, leading to jaundice.
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Gallstones: These hard deposits can block the bile ducts, preventing bilirubin from being excreted from the body. This backup can cause jaundice.
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Tumors: Tumors in the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas can also block the bile ducts, resulting in jaundice.
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Cirrhosis: This is scarring of the liver, often caused by chronic alcohol abuse or hepatitis. Damaged liver cells cannot effectively process bilirubin.
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Hemolytic Anemia: This condition involves the rapid destruction of red blood cells, which releases a large amount of bilirubin into the bloodstream, overwhelming the liver's capacity to process it.
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Gilbert's Syndrome: This is a common, mild, inherited condition in which the liver has trouble processing bilirubin. It often causes mild, intermittent jaundice.
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Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can sometimes lead to obstruction of the bile duct, causing jaundice.
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Certain Medications: Some drugs can damage the liver or interfere with bilirubin metabolism, leading to jaundice.
Jaundice is a serious symptom that requires medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and management of any condition causing yellowing of the skin or eyes.
