What causes jaundice
February 26, 2009
It is quite normal for the heme in the hemoglobin to be converted to bilirubin in the spleen, after the death of red blood cells. This bilirubin is processed by the liver, after which it enters the bile. Eventually, the body gets rid of this excess bilirubin through feces. If for any reason, the red blood cells start getting destroyed at a faster pace, bilirubin gets accumulated excessively in blood. This condition leads to jaundice.
Pre-hepatic (or hemolytic) jaundice can be due to any factor that leads to the increased breakdown of red blood cells. In some situations, malaria is found to lead to jaundice. Certain genetic diseases, is also capable of destroying the red blood cells considerably and thereby develops jaundice in the affected individual. Any defect that creeps into the proper metabolism of bilirubin also results in jaundice.
Liver diseases of all kinds can lead to hepatic jaundice as they threaten the organ’s functional ability to maintain the bilirubin level. Starvation, certain medications, hepatitis, and cirrhosis are some other reasons that make a person prone to hepatic jaundice. Jaundice commonly seen in the newborn babies is also classified under hepatic jaundice.
Post-hepatic forms of jaundice are caused when soluble bilirubin fails to reach the intestines after leaving the liver. These disorders thus caused are generally termed as obstructive jaundices. The most common cause of obstructive jaundice is the formation of gallstones in the biliary ducts.
Pancreatic cancer that affects the head region of the pancreas is also found to hinder the drainage of bile Birth-deformities, internal infections, certain drugs, physical injuries and certain forms of cancer are some other reasons. Mirizzi’s syndrome is considered as a rare cause of obstructive jaundice.
The presence of pale stools is an important pointer, which indicates the development of obstructive or post-hepatic jaundice. This is because; the normal feces get its color from bile pigments.
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