Adult Jaundice: Signs, Causes, and Treatment Options

At Digestive Disease Care, our specialists are dedicated to diagnosing, managing, and treating jaundice and the underlying digestive and hepatobiliary conditions that lead to it.

• Jaundice occurs when bilirubin accumulates in the bloodstream and tissues due to a disruption in the liver’s processing of bilirubin.

• Liver diseases that impair bilirubin processing include viral hepatitis (A, B, or C), alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and autoimmune hepatitis.

• Conditions affecting the bile ducts and pancreas, such as gallstones, pancreatic tumors, pancreatitis, and cholangitis, can obstruct bile flow, leading to jaundice.

• Hemolytic anemia accelerates the breakdown of red blood cells, resulting in excessive bilirubin production and jaundice.

• Medication or toxin-related liver injury can interfere with bilirubin metabolism and cause jaundice.

Our specialists diagnose and manage jaundice and its underlying causes, offering comprehensive care for improved outcomes.

At Digestive Disease Care, our specialists understand that jaundice in adults can be a concerning symptom, signaling potential digestive or liver conditions that require prompt evaluation and specialized care.

• Yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes (scleral icterus) is the primary symptom of jaundice, caused by the buildup of bilirubin.

• Dark-colored urine occurs due to increased bilirubin excretion into the urinary system.

• Pale, clay-colored stools result from the liver’s inability to process bilirubin properly or release it into the digestive tract.

• Itching (pruritus), caused by bile acids accumulating beneath the skin, is another common symptom.

Additional digestive symptoms can include:

• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever

• Confusion: In severe cases, jaundice may be accompanied by confusion or altered mental status, indicating significant liver dysfunction.

Jaundice is closely linked to digestive and hepatic health, areas in which our specialists have extensive expertise.

• Newborns: Jaundice is common in newborns within the first few days of life due to liver immaturity and the temporary inability to process bilirubin effectively. It often resolves naturally or with minimal intervention, but requires careful monitoring by healthcare professionals.

• Children and Adults: In older children and adults, jaundice typically signals underlying digestive or liver conditions such as:

• Liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis)
• Gallstones or bile duct obstructions
• Pancreatitis
• Hemolytic anemia
• Accurate diagnosis by a gastroenterology specialist is crucial for appropriate treatment.

• Older Adults: In elderly patients, jaundice may result from chronic digestive conditions or liver issues, including:

• Liver cancer
• Advanced liver damage
• Pancreatic disease
• Bile duct obstruction

• Comprehensive Care: Jaundice can affect individuals of all ages, from newborns to elderly patients. Our specialists provide prompt evaluation and individualized treatment plans to address the root causes of jaundice and restore digestive health.

• Duration of Jaundice: Jaundice in adults lasts until the underlying digestive or liver condition causing it is diagnosed and treated. The duration can vary depending on the severity of the condition, the patient’s health, and how quickly care is initiated.

• Acute Hepatitis: Jaundice caused by acute hepatitis typically lasts several weeks to a few months and improves gradually as liver inflammation subsides.

• Obstructive Jaundice: In cases such as gallstones, tumors, or bile duct obstructions, jaundice persists until medical interventions or minimally invasive procedures are performed to relieve the blockage.

• Chronic Conditions: Chronic liver diseases, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer, can lead to ongoing or recurring jaundice, requiring continuous medical management and regular monitoring.

• Prompt Evaluation: Timely evaluation by specialists is crucial to prevent exacerbation of underlying conditions. Our healthcare providers use comprehensive assessments, including blood tests, imaging studies, and diagnostic procedures, to identify the cause of jaundice.

• Individualized Treatment: Once diagnosed, our team at Digestive Disease Care tailors treatment plans to address the root cause of jaundice, often leading to resolution within days to weeks. Persistent or chronic conditions may require ongoing care and management.

At Digestive Disease Care, we emphasize timely diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and compassionate ongoing management to ensure optimal outcomes for patients experiencing jaundice and related digestive health concerns. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Massapequa NY, Riverhead NY and BEYOND.