What Are the Dangers of Jaundice in Adults

Jaundice is a disease that leads to the yellowing of the skin and the sclera of the eye owing to increased bilirubin levels in the bloodstream. Although jaundice is normally observed in newborns, it may be a symptom of a severe condition in adults. This is why if you see signs of your skin or eyes turning yellow, then you need not to take the signs lightly. The nature of jaundice in adults should be well understood to ensure that it is diagnosed early and managed appropriately.

In this article, we will discuss the reasons that lead to jaundice in adults, possible complications, and why it is necessary to consult a doctor.

What Causes Jaundice in Adults

The condition is sometimes a sign of another disease, rather than a disease in its own right. In adults, it can be caused by a variety of issues, including:

• Liver Diseases: Icterus may result from hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer because such diseases affect the liver’s ability to remove bilirubin from the bloodstream.
• Gallbladder Issues: Diseases such as cholelithiasis or cholecystitis can occlude bile ducts and thus, bilirubin cannot be metabolized properly.
• Hemolysis: This is the fast destruction of red blood cells and if the liver cannot manage the level of bilirubin, it will result in hemolysis.
• Pancreatic Disorders: Cancer of the pancreas can lead to obstruction of the bile ducts and jaundice.

What Are the Dangers of Jaundice in Adults?

Jaundice is a condition that, when present, should alert one to possible life threatening illnesses. Here are some of the key dangers associated with jaundice in adults:

1. Liver Failure

The most severe complication of jaundice is liver failure. The liver has many functions it includes detoxification, production of bile, and metabolism of nutrients. When the liver begins to fail, it can no longer perform these vital functions, leading to severe complications such as:

Toxin Buildup: When the liver fails to remove toxins from the body, they cause confusion, disorientation, and at times, coma.

Bleeding Disorders: Liver has the function of synthesizing proteins that are used in clotting of the blood. Liver failure is characterized by increased tendency of bleeding and formation of bruises.

2. Kidney Failure

Jaundice that is due to liver diseases can also cause problems with the kidneys. In cases where there is liver disease, the kidneys could be incapable of removing wastes from the blood. If not treated this leads to kidney failure which is a very serious condition that needs dialysis or a kidney transplant.

3. Infections

Chronic liver disease also impairs the immune competence of the body and thus makes the body susceptible to infections. Jaundice patients may be prone to bacterial infections especially of the abdomen leading to sepsis.

4. Pancreatic Cancer

Jaundice can be an early sign of some forms of cancer, including pancreatic cancer which is considered one of the most dangerous types of cancer. Bilirubin is increased in the body due to the blockage of bile ducts by cancer in the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer needs to be diagnosed at an early stage because the disease is aggressive and tends to metastasize rapidly if left untreated.

5. Chronic Fatigue

Another symptom that affects adults with jaundice is severe tiredness. This is because the body, its organs and tissues, have lesser capacity to eliminate toxins and bring in oxygen to the cells. Chronic fatigue entails reduced ability to perform daily tasks and a general decline in the well being of an individual.

Preventing and Managing Jaundice

The only way to prevent jaundice is to ensure that your liver is healthy through your lifestyle. Here are a few tips to help you reduce your risk:

• Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption: It is recommended that one should take moderate amounts of alcohol or should avoid it completely in order to safeguard the liver.
• Follow a Healthy Diet: Consuming more of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins are some of the ways through which one can take care of his/her liver.
• Get Vaccinated: There are vaccines for hepatitis A and B that can help prevent an infection of the liver.
• Regular Medical Checkups: If you have liver disease or other diseases related to your liver or other organs, you should go for a checkup to avoid worsening of the situation.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you or someone you know experiences any of the following symptoms along with jaundice, immediate medical attention is necessary:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Dark urine or pale stools
• Intense itching
• Delirium or encephalopathy

Such symptoms could be a sign that the cause of the jaundice is a condition that needs to be treated as soon as possible.

Adult jaundice should not be taken lightly. It is a sign of some severe health complications that need the attention of a doctor. As a result of jaundice, one can experience liver failure, pancreatic cancer and many other fatal conditions. If you experience any of the symptoms of jaundice, do not take time to wait, consult a doctor to ascertain the actual cause and how best to treat it.

The human body is the most important investment one can have. If you are worried about jaundice or are showing symptoms of this disease, it’s time to act. To find out more, go to Gem Hospital or Book an Appointment with a healthcare professional here.