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What Causes Jaundice? Understanding Hyperbilirubinemia
Published: Aug 22, 2024
Jaundice, often seen as yellowing of the skin or eyes, is a signal from your body that something might be amiss with your liver. In this article, we'll break down the causes and types of hyperbilirubinemia, which is the medical term for elevated bilirubin levels.
Understanding Bilirubin
Bilirubin is a yellow compound that occurs in the normal catabolic pathway that breaks down heme in vertebrates. When your body has too much bilirubin, it can lead to jaundice. This happens when the liver can't process bilirubin effectively, often due to liver disease or blockages in bile ducts.
Unconjugated vs. Conjugated Hyperbilirubinemia
Hyperbilirubinemia can be classified into unconjugated and conjugated types. Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia occurs when there's an overproduction of bilirubin or the liver's ability to uptake and conjugate bilirubin is impaired. Conjugated hyperbilirubinemia happens when there's a blockage in the bile ducts or liver disease causing bilirubin to accumulate.
Common Causes of Jaundice
Various conditions can cause jaundice, including liver diseases like hepatitis, genetic conditions like Gilbert syndrome, and even some medications. In some cases, jaundice results from blockages in the bile ducts due to gallstones or tumors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bilirubin is a yellow compound produced during the breakdown of red blood cells.
Jaundice is often visible as yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Hyperbilirubinemia is caused by excess bilirubin due to liver disease or bile duct obstruction.
Yes, certain medications can impair bilirubin processing leading to jaundice.
Wrapping Up
Understanding the causes of jaundice can help in seeking the right treatment and improving liver health.
References
- ROBINSON S et al., 'Jaundice in thalassemia minor', N Engl J Med 1962.
- Israels G et al., 'Primary shunt hyperbilirubinemia', Am J Med 1959.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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