JAUNDICE: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS, DIET, AND TREATMENT OPTIONS IN ADULTS AND NEWBORNS

Noticing a yellowish tint in the eyes or skin can be worrying, and it should never be ignored. Jaundice is one of the most visible signs that something in the body is not functioning normally, most often involving the liver, blood, or bile ducts. In Abu Dhabi and across the UAE, many people search for answers about jaundice after abnormal blood test results, unexplained fatigue, dark urine, or concerns about jaundice at birth in newborns.

Although many people refer to it as a jaundice disease, jaundice is actually a clinical sign, not a diagnosis on its own. It signals an underlying medical condition that requires timely evaluation. Understanding jaundice causes, early symptoms, blood tests, diet, complications, and treatment options can help prevent serious health outcomes.

What Is Jaundice?

Jaundice occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Under healthy conditions, the liver processes bilirubin and excretes it through bile into the digestive tract.

When this process is disrupted, due to liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or blood-related disorders, bilirubin builds up in the blood. This leads to the characteristic yellow discoloration of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

Jaundice Affects Which Part of the Body?

Although jaundice is most visible in the eyes and skin, the root problem usually lies in one of the following systems:

• Liver: hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, drug-induced liver injury
• Bile ducts and gallbladder: gallstones, strictures, tumors
• Blood: increased destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis)

In some cases, nearby organs such as the pancreas may also be involved, especially in jaundice obstructive conditions.

Jaundice Causes: Why Does Jaundice Happen?

Understanding jaundice causes is key to choosing the right treatment. Doctors classify jaundice into three main categories:

1. Pre-Hepatic Jaundice (Before the Liver)

This type occurs when red blood cells break down faster than normal, overwhelming the liver’s ability to process bilirubin.
Common causes include:

• Hemolytic anemia
• Certain genetic blood disorders
• Severe infections or reactions

2. Hepatic Jaundice (Liver-Related)

This is one of the most common causes of jaundice in adult cases.
Jaundice causes include:

• Hepatitis (viral hepatitis A, B, C, E)
• Alcohol-related liver disease
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Liver cirrhosis
• Medication- or toxin-induced liver injury

3. Post-Hepatic Jaundice (Obstructive Jaundice)

Also known as obstructive jaundice, this type occurs when bile flow is blocked.
Common causes include:

• Gallstones
• Bile duct narrowing or inflammation
• Tumors of the bile ducts or pancreas

Jaundice Chart:

Type of Jaundice	Main Area Affected	Common Causes
Pre-hepatic	Blood	Hemolysis, anemia
Hepatic	Liver	Hepatitis, alcohol
Obstructive	Bile ducts	Gallstones, tumors
Neonatal	Immature liver	Jaundice at birth

This classification guides diagnostic testing and treatment decisions.

Can Medications or Supplements Damage the Liver?

In simple terms, medication- or toxin-induced liver injury happens when something you swallow, inhale, or absorb harms your liver. This is a very common concern people search for when they experience jaundice or abnormal liver tests.

These substances may include:

• Prescription medicines
• Over-the-counter painkillers
• Herbal or “natural” supplements
• Alcohol combined with medication
• Household or workplace chemicals

When the liver becomes irritated or damaged, it cannot process bilirubin properly. As bilirubin builds up in the blood, it causes yellowing of the eyes and skin, known as jaundice.

Common Medications That Can Affect the Liver

Without medical complexity, some commonly used medication groups may affect the liver in certain people.

1. Painkillers

Liver injury may occur with:

• Taking more than the recommended dose
• Using painkillers daily for long periods
• Mixing painkillers with alcohol

2. Antibiotics

Some individuals are more sensitive to certain antibiotics. Even at normal doses, the liver may react poorly in rare cases.

3. Cholesterol, Epilepsy, and Heart Medications

These medicines are generally safe and widely used, but in a small number of people, long-term use may affect liver function and lead to jaundice.

Jaundice Early Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

Recognizing jaundice’s early symptoms can prevent serious complications. Early signs include:

• Yellowing of the whites of the eyes (often the first sign)
• Dark or tea-colored urine
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Fatigue and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Mild abdominal discomfort or bloating

Jaundice, Fever, and Abdominal Pain: Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

When jaundice occurs together with fever and abdominal pain, it should be treated as a medical emergency. This combination often signals a serious infection or inflammation affecting the liver or bile ducts and requires immediate medical evaluation.

The presence of jaundice and fever may indicate:

• Acute viral hepatitis, where the liver becomes inflamed due to infection
• Infection of the bile ducts (cholangitis), a potentially life-threatening condition
• Severe liver inflammation or a liver abscess, which can spread infection to the bloodstream

If jaundice is accompanied by fever, chills, right-sided abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, urgent medical attention is essential. Delaying care can lead to serious complications, including sepsis or liver failure.

Jaundice Blood Test and Diagnosis

A jaundice blood test is the cornerstone of diagnosis and typically includes:

• Total, direct, and indirect jaundice bilirubin
• Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT)
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Viral hepatitis screening
• Coagulation profile (INR)

Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI are often used, especially when obstructive jaundice is suspected.

Jaundice at Birth (Neonatal Jaundice/ Jaundice in Infants)

Jaundice at birth is common and affects many newborns during the first week of life.

Why does jaundice occur in infants?

• Newborn livers are still immature
• Increased breakdown of fetal red blood cells
• Temporary difficulty processing bilirubin

Most cases are mild and resolve on their own. However, high bilirubin levels can be dangerous if untreated.

Rare Conditions That Affect Bilirubin Processing in Newborns

In some babies, jaundice may last longer or appear more severe because of inherited conditions that affect how the body processes bilirubin. These are rare and are usually identified through blood tests and specialist evaluation.

Examples include:

• Gilbert syndrome: a mild condition where the liver processes bilirubin more slowly
• Dubin-Johnson syndrome: a condition affecting how bilirubin is transported in the liver
• Rotor syndrome: similar to Dubin-Johnson but without liver pigment changes
• Crigler-Najjar syndrome: a very rare condition where bilirubin breakdown is significantly reduced

Babies with these conditions may develop jaundice that:

• Persists longer than usual
• Returns after initially improving
• Requires closer monitoring by pediatric specialists

Key Message Most neonatal jaundice is temporary and harmless, but if jaundice is severe, prolonged, or recurrent, doctors may look for rare inherited conditions that affect bilirubin breakdown to ensure the baby receives the right care.

Jaundice Light Therapy (Phototherapy)

Jaundice light therapy is the standard treatment for moderate to severe neonatal jaundice.

• Blue light converts bilirubin into a water-soluble form
• Allows safe elimination through urine and stool
• Non-invasive and highly effective when monitored correctly

Jaundice Complications if Left Untreated

Ignoring jaundice can lead to serious jaundice complications, including:

• Acute or chronic liver failure
• Severe infections
• Internal bleeding due to clotting abnormalities
• Permanent brain damage in newborns (kernicterus)
• Long-term liver disease and cirrhosis

Early diagnosis significantly reduces these risks.

Jaundice Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid

A well-planned jaundice diet supports liver healing and recovery.

Recommended foods:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Lean protein sources (fish, chicken, legumes)
• Whole grains
• Adequate water intake

Foods to avoid:

• Alcohol (especially important in jaundice due to alcoholic liver cases)
• Fried and fatty foods
• Processed and sugary foods
• Unnecessary supplements or medications without medical advice

Dietary guidance is individualized based on the cause of jaundice.

Jaundice Care Plan: How Is Jaundice Managed?

An effective jaundice care plan focuses on treating the underlying cause and monitoring recovery. It typically includes:

• Accurate diagnosis using blood tests and imaging
• Medical or antiviral treatment if infection is present
• Endoscopic or surgical treatment for obstruction
• Nutritional and lifestyle guidance
• Regular monitoring of bilirubin and liver function

Each patient’s care plan is tailored based on age, severity, and diagnosis.

Conclusion

Jaundice is a warning sign that should never be ignored. While it is often mistaken for a disease, it is actually a signal of an underlying condition involving the liver, bile ducts, or blood. From hepatitis and alcohol-related liver disease to bile duct obstruction or neonatal jaundice, early recognition and a structured jaundice care plan can prevent serious complications and long-term damage.