Overview
Jaundice is yellowing of the eyes and skin caused by a build-up of bilirubin, a pigment the liver normally clears. It is a sign, not a disease — in India the usual culprit is viral hepatitis (often hepatitis A or E from contaminated food or water), but gallstones, certain medicines and other liver problems can also cause it. Any new jaundice needs a doctor and blood tests; home remedies alone are risky.
Symptoms
- Yellow discolouration of the whites of the eyes, then skin
- Dark, tea-coloured urine
- Pale or clay-coloured stools
- Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness, and sometimes fever or itching
When to see a doctor
See a doctor promptly for any yellowing of the eyes with dark urine — liver function tests identify the cause. Avoid alcohol and self-medication until reviewed.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Drowsiness, confusion or abnormal behaviour with jaundice
- Vomiting blood or black stools — go to a hospital immediately
Causes
Viral hepatitis (A and E from unsafe food/water; B and C from blood and body fluids), alcohol-related liver damage, gallstones blocking bile flow, and some medicines.