Jaundice: Early Symptoms To Know

Jaundice is a condition which causes the skin and eyes to turn yellow. It is caused by an accumulation of a yellow-colored pigment called bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is produced when red blood cells are broken down. When this process is disrupted, the bilirubin builds up in the blood and is deposited in the skin and eyes, resulting in the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.

In an interaction with OnlyMyHealth,  Dr. Sumeet Nigam, General Physician from Sahara Hospital, Lucknow, said that Jaundice occurs as a result of an underlying health condition that causes an increase of dead blood cells. Because of this the risk of increased bilirubin increases, preventing the liver from removing it from the bloodstream and your body. Early Signs Of Jaundice Can Be As Follows

Risk Factors Of Jaundice 

Mostly jaundice occurs as a result of an underlying health condition that causes an increase of dead blood cells. Because of these conditions, the danger of increased bilirubin increases, preventing the liver from removing it from the bloodstream and your body. We will learn about various risk factors that can cause jaundice and result in bilirubin deposition in the tissues. Following are the risk factors of jaundice:

• Acute inflammation of liver
• Inflammation of bile duct
• Haemolytic anaemia
• Cholestasis

Early Signs Of Jaundice

Yellow discoloration of the skin

This is the most common and obvious sign of jaundice, caused by an accumulation of a pigment called bilirubin in the blood. The American Family Physician (AAFP) defines jaundice as the yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes caused by the body's inability to handle bilirubin properly.

Read: Jaundice Diet: Here Are Some Foods Groups To Avoid If You Have Jaundice

Pale Stools

Stools can become pale in color due to a decrease in the amount of bile pigment that is being released into the intestines.

Bile produces the characteristic brown colour of a healthy bowel movement. When the stool is pale, it usually indicates that not enough bile is reaching the stool.

If there is an issue with the gallbladder, pancreas, or liver, stools may include low bile levels. Individuals who have continuously pale stools should consult a doctor about disorders that impact these organs.

Increased Fatigue

Jaundice can lead to anemia due to a decrease in the amount of red blood cells in the body, resulting in fatigue and general malaise.

Loss Of Appetite

You will notice a significant decrease in the person's appetite when the person becomes unwell with jaundice. Numerous stomach-related concerns caused by bile duct preoccupation can cause problems such as poor digestion and burning, which can be a primary cause of appetite loss.

Read: 6 Type Of Conditions Affecting Jaundice, Know Complications From Expert

Nausea And Vomiting

Vomiting is another characteristic jaundice symptom that can occur in the early stages of the disease. It is caused by the improper functioning of the liver, which obstructs normal bowel movements and digestion, resulting in indigestion, which frequently progresses to vomiting.

Abdominal Pain

Another symptom of jaundice is stomach ache centered around the liver. This sort of pain occurs when the liver is overworked during the release of bilirubin or when the bile ducts get blocked in the event of obstructive jaundice.