What is Jaundice

Jaundice is when the skin, the whites of the eyes, and the lining of the mouth and nose (mucous membranes) turn a yellowish color. It is caused by having too much bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is made by the normal breakdown of red blood cells.

Having jaundice means that your body’s bile system may not be working as it should. The bile system is made up of the liver, the gallbladder, and the bile ducts. They work together to make, store, and move bile.

Jaundice may be caused by drinking too much alcohol. It may also be caused by liver disease, infections, cancers, or some medicines. Your doctor may treat you with medicine, fluids, or surgery.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• You can use skin lotion to help with itching.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

• You have a fever.
• You have swelling or pain in your belly (abdomen).

Get help right away if:

• Your symptoms get worse all of a sudden.
• Your pain gets worse.
• You keep throwing up (vomiting).
• You throw up blood.
• You become weak or confused.
• You get a very bad headache.
• You have blood in your poop.
• You lose too much body fluid (dehydration). Signs that have you lost too much body fluid include:
  • A very dry mouth.
  • A fast, weak pulse.
  • Fast breathing.
  • Blue lips.

Summary

• Jaundice is when the skin, the whites of the eyes, and the lining of the mouth and nose turn a yellowish color.
• Jaundice may be caused by a problem in the liver, the gallbladder, and the bile ducts.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions for home care. These include drinking plenty of fluid, not drinking alcohol, and taking medicines as told.
• Get help right away if your symptoms get worse, you feel weak or confused, you throw up, you have blood in your poop, you have a very bad headache, or you lose too much body fluid.