“My eyes are yellow. Is this jaundice?”
My eyes have turned into a yellow color, and I think that this could be jaundice. If I do have jaundice, does this also mean that there's an issue with my liver?
1 Answer
Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes that occurs when there is a buildup of bilirubin in the body. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. Jaundice can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, including liver disorders, but it is not specific to liver issues alone.
When it comes to jaundice, there can be multiple causes, and the liver is one of the organs involved in the processing of bilirubin. If you have jaundice, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation to determine the underlying cause.
Liver-related conditions that can lead to jaundice include:
Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by viral infections (such as hepatitis A, B, or C), autoimmune diseases, or certain medications.
Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver due to long-term liver damage from conditions such as chronic alcoholism, viral hepatitis, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Gallstones or bile duct obstruction: Blockage of the bile ducts, which prevents the normal flow of bile from the liver to the intestine.
Liver cancer: Malignant growths in the liver can affect its normal function and lead to jaundice.
However, jaundice can also be caused by conditions unrelated to the liver, such as:
Hemolytic anemia: Increased breakdown of red blood cells, leading to an excess of bilirubin production.
Gilbert's syndrome: A benign condition in which the liver has difficulty processing bilirubin, resulting in mild jaundice.
Pancreatic disorders: Conditions affecting the pancreas, such as pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis, can cause jaundice.
To determine the underlying cause of your jaundice and evaluate any potential liver involvement, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. They will likely perform a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and may order additional tests such as blood work, imaging studies, or liver function tests to identify the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
When it comes to jaundice, there can be multiple causes, and the liver is one of the organs involved in the processing of bilirubin. If you have jaundice, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation to determine the underlying cause.
Liver-related conditions that can lead to jaundice include:
Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by viral infections (such as hepatitis A, B, or C), autoimmune diseases, or certain medications.
Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver due to long-term liver damage from conditions such as chronic alcoholism, viral hepatitis, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Gallstones or bile duct obstruction: Blockage of the bile ducts, which prevents the normal flow of bile from the liver to the intestine.
Liver cancer: Malignant growths in the liver can affect its normal function and lead to jaundice.
However, jaundice can also be caused by conditions unrelated to the liver, such as:
Hemolytic anemia: Increased breakdown of red blood cells, leading to an excess of bilirubin production.
Gilbert's syndrome: A benign condition in which the liver has difficulty processing bilirubin, resulting in mild jaundice.
Pancreatic disorders: Conditions affecting the pancreas, such as pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis, can cause jaundice.
To determine the underlying cause of your jaundice and evaluate any potential liver involvement, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. They will likely perform a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and may order additional tests such as blood work, imaging studies, or liver function tests to identify the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
