YELLOW DISCOLOURATION OF SKIN AND EYES
Jaundice
Yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes due to high bilirubin levels, with many possible causes including liver disease, blood disorders and bile duct obstruction. Careful workup guides targeted treatment.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellow discolouration of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment normally produced by the breakdown of red blood cells and processed by the liver before being excreted in the bile. Jaundice can result from increased red blood cell breakdown (haemolytic causes), liver dysfunction (hepatic causes), or obstruction of the bile ducts (post-hepatic causes). Common causes include viral hepatitis, alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, gallstones blocking the bile duct, pancreatic and bile duct tumours, and haemolytic anaemias. Associated features may include dark urine, pale stools, itching, abdominal pain, fever and weight loss depending on the cause. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, liver function tests, blood tests and imaging including ultrasound. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive jaundice evaluation and care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Viral hepatitis — A, B, C, E and others
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Drug-induced liver injury
- Gallstones blocking the bile duct
- Pancreatic and bile duct tumours
- Haemolytic anaemias and red blood cell breakdown
- Cirrhosis and chronic liver disease
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical evaluation, liver function tests, blood tests and imaging including ultrasound
Pre-hepatic (haemolytic) · Hepatic (liver) · Post-hepatic (obstructive)
Cause-specific therapy combined with supportive care
Severe jaundice, abdominal mass, weight loss or signs of liver failure need urgent evaluation
Vaccination against hepatitis A and B, safe alcohol intake and management of liver conditions
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Systematic Workup with Cause-Specific Treatment
The most effective approach is a structured workup including liver function tests, blood tests and imaging to identify the underlying cause, followed by targeted treatment of that cause and supportive care to manage symptoms and protect liver function.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika takes a detailed history, examines the patient and arranges liver function tests, blood tests and ultrasound to identify the cause.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created based on the identified cause and the patient's overall condition.
- 3
Medical Management
Cause-specific therapy, supportive care, avoidance of alcohol and liver-affecting medications, and management of complications.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Regular follow-up with liver function tests and imaging to monitor recovery and detect any complications early.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Identifying the Underlying Cause
Careful evaluation determines whether jaundice is pre-hepatic, hepatic or post-hepatic, guiding specific treatment.
Cause-Specific Therapy
Treatment is directed at the underlying cause — antiviral therapy for hepatitis, removal of bile duct stones, treatment of haemolytic anaemia, and so on.
Avoiding Alcohol and Liver-Affecting Medications
All patients with jaundice are advised to avoid alcohol and certain medications during recovery to protect the liver.
Endoscopic or Surgical Care for Obstructive Causes (Referral for gastroenterology / surgical evaluation)
Bile duct stones, strictures or tumours may need endoscopic procedures (ERCP) or surgical intervention.
Nutritional and Supportive Care
Adequate nutrition, hydration and management of any complications support recovery.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure about your condition?
Compassionate, confidential consultations — Book your appointment today.