Causes

Jaundice most often happens as a result of an underlying disorder that either causes the production of too much bilirubin or prevents the liver from getting rid of it. Both of these result in bilirubin being deposited in tissues.

Some underlying conditions that may cause jaundice are:

• Acute inflammation of the liver: This may impair the ability of the liver to conjugate and secrete bilirubin, resulting in a buildup.
• Inflammation of the bile duct: This can prevent the secretion of bile and removal of bilirubin, causing jaundice.
• Obstruction of the bile duct: This prevents the liver from disposing of bilirubin.
• Hemolytic anemia: The production of bilirubin increases when large quantities of red blood cells are broken down.
• Gilbert's syndrome: This is an inherited condition that impairs the ability of enzymes to process the excretion of bile.
• Cholestasis: This interrupts the flow of bile from the liver. The bile containing conjugated bilirubin remains in the liver instead of being excreted.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of jaundice include:

• A yellow tinge to the skin and the whites of the eyes, normally starting at the head and spreading down the body
• Pale stools
• Dark urine
• Itchiness

Accompanying symptoms of jaundice resulting from low bilirubin levels include:

• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Pale stools
• Dark urine