What is Jaundice? (Introduction)

Jaundice is a yellow colour of the skin, the whites of the eyes and the inside of the mouth. It is a sign of another problem and not a disease on its own.

Why it happens

Red blood cells break down and make a yellow-orange pigment called bilirubin. The liver processes bilirubin, and it leaves the body through bile into the gut and in stools. Jaundice appears when too much bilirubin is made, the liver cannot process it, or bile cannot drain out.

Who gets jaundice

• Newborn babies, very commonly in the first week
• Adults and children with hepatitis, gallstones, alcohol-related liver disease or blood disorders
• People taking certain medicines or with some inherited conditions

Common features

• Yellow eyes and skin
• Dark urine and pale stools in some types
• Itching, tiredness, nausea or abdominal discomfort depending on the cause

Why it matters

Jaundice in an adult always needs a doctor's check. The cause can range from a short infection to a blocked bile duct or serious liver disease. Jaundice in a newborn needs a paediatrician, because very high bilirubin can harm the brain.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda describes jaundice as kamala and links it to Pitta and the liver and blood. This is a traditional view and not a modern diagnosis. Ayurvedic care, if used, should be an adjunct to a medical diagnosis.

Key point

Yellow eyes or skin are a reason to see a doctor, not to try home or folk treatment first.

Before your appointment

Note when the yellow colour began and the colour of your urine and stools. List all medicines, herbs, supplements and alcohol use. Mention fever, itching, abdominal pain, weight loss, recent travel, injections, transfusions, tattoos and contact with others with jaundice. For a baby, note birth date, feeding pattern, wet nappies and the mother's blood group. Ask about tests, the likely cause and which signs need urgent care. Call 112 for confusion, bleeding or severe pain with fever.