Jaundice
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- September 5, 2026
- 4 MINS READ
Patient Procedures
Understanding Jaundice
Jaundice is not a disease itself, but rather a visible sign of an underlying medical condition. It occurs when there is too much bilirubin, a yellowish pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells in your bloodstream.
When your liver cannot process and excrete this bilirubin properly, it builds up in the body, giving the skin and the whites of the eyes a distinct yellow tint.
Signs & Symptoms
The symptoms of jaundice can appear suddenly or develop slowly over time. The most common signs include:
- Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (sclera).
- Dark, tea-colored urine.
- Pale or clay-colored stools.
- Unexplained fatigue, weakness, and sluggishness.
- Severe itching of the skin (pruritus).
- Abdominal pain or swelling, particularly in the upper right side.
Causes & Risk Factors
Jaundice happens when the liver is overwhelmed, damaged, or when the bile ducts are blocked. Common causes include:
- Viral Infections: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.
- Liver Disease: Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) often caused by chronic alcohol abuse or fatty liver disease.
- Bile Duct Obstructions: Gallstones, cysts, or tumors blocking the tubes that carry bile.
- Hemolytic Anemia: A condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than the liver can process them.
- Medication Toxicity: Liver damage caused by an overdose of certain medications (like acetaminophen).
Diagnosis & Tests
To find the root cause of your jaundice, our specialists will perform a physical examination and recommend specific diagnostic tests, including:
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs): Blood tests to measure bilirubin levels, liver enzymes, and proteins.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for infections or hemolytic anemia.
- Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI scans to look for gallstones, tumors, or liver abnormalities.
- Liver Biopsy: In severe or unclear cases, a tiny tissue sample may be taken for microscopic examination.
Treatment & Management
Treatment entirely depends on the underlying cause:
- Hepatitis-Induced Jaundice: May require antiviral medications, plenty of rest, and hydration.
- Obstructions (Gallstones/Tumors): Usually requires surgical intervention (such as an ERCP or laparoscopic surgery) to remove the blockage.
- Alcohol-Induced Jaundice: Requires complete abstinence from alcohol and nutritional support.
- Hemolytic Anemia: May be treated with blood transfusions or medications to stop the immune system from destroying red blood cells.
Why Choose St. Stephen's Hospital for Jaundice?
Jaundice is a warning sign that your liver needs immediate attention. At St. Stephen’s Hospital, our Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology features a multidisciplinary team of liver specialists, diagnostic radiologists, and advanced surgeons.
We offer rapid, highly accurate diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans to address the root cause of your jaundice safely and effectively. Do not ignore the warning signs—book a consultation with our liver specialists today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Jaundice itself is not contagious. However, the underlying condition causing it might be. For example, if your jaundice is caused by viral Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B, those specific viruses can be transmitted to others.
A liver-friendly diet is crucial. Focus on staying highly hydrated with water and clear broths. Eat easily digestible foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You must strictly avoid alcohol, highly processed foods, fatty or fried foods, and excess sodium, as these force the liver to work harder.
The recovery time depends entirely on the cause. Jaundice caused by a mild infection may resolve in a few weeks with proper rest and hydration, while jaundice caused by chronic liver disease or a severe bile duct blockage will take much longer and require medical intervention.
Yes. Chronic, heavy alcohol consumption damages liver cells and leads to alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis. When the liver becomes heavily scarred, it loses its ability to filter bilirubin, resulting in jaundice.
In most cases, yes. Once the underlying cause—such as a gallstone or a temporary viral infection—is successfully treated or resolved, the liver will resume normal function, and the yellowing of the skin and eyes will gradually fade.
Newborn jaundice is very common. A baby's liver is often not fully developed at birth, making it temporarily unable to process bilirubin quickly enough. It is usually harmless and resolves on its own or with mild phototherapy (light therapy).
You should seek immediate emergency care if your jaundice is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, high fever, mental confusion, blood in vomit, or black, tarry stools, as these indicate a severe liver crisis or internal bleeding.