Jaundice in Northwest Arkansas
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Find a ProviderWhat is jaundice?
Jaundice is a medical condition that is frequently seen in newborn babies but may develop in adults as well. It causes the white portions of the eyes and the skin to turn yellow. Jaundice is due to excess levels of bilirubin, a yellow-orange bile pigment in the liver. Though the condition usually doesn't require treatment, it's essential to consult a gastroenterologist at GI Alliance of Arkansas if your skin or eyes develop a yellow shade, as the underlying cause might require care. To speak with a provider offering treatment for jaundice in Arkansas, contact our team to request a consultation.
What causes jaundice?
Jaundice occurs when a person has an elevated level of bilirubin in their blood. Bilirubin is a compound made in the liver from the natural breakdown of RBCs (red blood cells). The precise reason for jaundice development varies according to whether it occurs before, throughout, or after the production of bilirubin.
Causes of jaundice prior to the production of bilirubin (called unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia) include:
- Reabsorption of a large hematoma (clotted blood outside the blood vessel)
- Hemolytic anemias (RBCs are destroyed faster than the end of their standard life cycle)
Factors contributing to jaundice throughout the production of bilirubin include:
- Alcohol use
- Hepatitis A, B, or C
- Autoimmune diseases
- Certain medications
- Epstein-Barr or other viruses
Reasons for jaundice following bilirubin production may be the result of obstructed bile ducts due to:
- Gallstones
- Certain cancers
- Inflammation of the bladder
Jaundice may also develop due to liver disease or conditions, such as:
- Acute hepatitis A, B, or C
- Pyoderma gangrenosum (a skin disorder)
- Joint conditions like arthritis
- Inflamed liver (or chronic hepatitis)
What are the symptoms of jaundice?
Jaundice is often discovered unintentionally — in fact, many times, there are no symptoms involved. However, patients may show some indications of the condition depending on the root source of jaundice. For instance, symptoms such as abdominal pain, yellow-colored skin, dark-colored urine, white-colored bowel movements, chills, fever, or flu-like symptoms are commonly associated with jaundice resulting from an infection.
In cases where jaundice is not caused by an infection, patients might experience itching of the skin or an unintended drop in body weight. Additionally, the most common symptom of jaundice related to cancer is abdominal pain.
In the event you have one or more of the above-listed problems, we urge you to request a consultation at GI Alliance of Arkansas so our skilled gastroenterology team can assess the health of the liver.
How is jaundice diagnosed and treated?
Jaundice is often found when addressing other types of medical problems or concerns. It may also be detected when screening for liver disease or conditions. Signs and symptoms related to this often encompass:
- Bruises on the skin
- Spider veins
- Palmar erythema (red color on the palms and fingertips)
Urinalysis and blood tests can also inform our providers of elevated bilirubin levels. Additionally, we may advise a liver exam to evaluate the health of the liver and any tenderness the patient may be experiencing.
Following a diagnosis, our doctors can address the underlying source of jaundice. Since jaundice doesn't normally require therapy, our team will often treat the side effects related to it. Some of the jaundice-related concerns we treat include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Pain in the stomach or indigestion
Skilled care for jaundice and its underlying conditions
If you develop a yellow tone to your skin or eyes, abdominal discomfort, constipation or diarrhea, a bloated stomach, or vomiting, you may be experiencing the signs and symptoms of jaundice. While jaundice itself may not warrant treatment, the underlying cause of this condition might, which can include inflammation of the liver or bladder, gallstones, long-term hepatitis, and potentially cancer. The board-certified gastroenterologists at GI Alliance of Arkansas are experienced in addressing jaundice along with other types of liver issues associated with this health concern. To receive more information on jaundice and how you might reduce your risks for it, please contact one of our Arkansas practice locations near you to arrange an appointment.
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