Adult Jaundice Treatment Specialist in Lake Success, NY

Jaundice is a condition where the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes take on a yellowish tint due to an accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin, a yellow pigment, is produced as a natural byproduct when red blood cells break down. Under normal circumstances, the liver processes this bilirubin and converts it into a form that is eliminated from the body through the stool. However, when the liver or bile ducts are compromised, or if there’s an issue with red blood cell breakdown, bilirubin can build up in the blood, leading to the characteristic yellowing of the skin and eyes associated with jaundice.

Causes of Jaundice:

• Liver Diseases: Conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease can impair the liver’s ability to process bilirubin.

• Bile Duct Obstruction: Gallstones, tumors, or inflammation of the bile ducts can prevent the normal flow of bile, leading to bilirubin accumulation.

• Hemolysis: Rapid breakdown of red blood cells can overwhelm the liver’s capacity to process bilirubin.

• Pancreatic Disorders: Conditions affecting the pancreas, such as pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, can contribute to jaundice.


Symptoms of Jaundice:

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (the hallmark symptom).
• Dark urine and pale stools due to the buildup of bilirubin.
• Itchy skin as bilirubin accumulates.
• Fatigue, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain.
• Fever and unexplained weight loss may accompany other symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment: At Digestive Disease Care, we recommend advanced diagnostic tools like blood tests, liver function panels, and imaging studies (ultrasound, MRI) to identify the underlying cause of jaundice. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to manage liver and digestive health and prevent complications such as liver failure.

The main cause of jaundice is an elevated bilirubin level in the blood, often resulting from liver dysfunction or obstructions in the bile ducts. Bilirubin is produced when red blood cells break down, and the liver is responsible for processing and eliminating it. When the liver or bile ducts aren’t functioning properly, bilirubin accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to jaundice.

Key Causes of Elevated Bilirubin:

Liver Diseases:

• Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).

• Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver tissue).

• Alcoholic liver disease or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.


Bile Duct Obstructions:

• Gallstones blocking bile flow.

• Bile duct tumors that restrict the elimination of bile.

• Inflammation or infection in the bile ducts (cholangiitis).

Hemolytic Disorders:

• Conditions that cause the rapid breakdown of red blood cells, such as sickle cell anemia or autoimmune hemolytic anemia, can lead to excess bilirubin production, overwhelming the liver’s processing capacity.

Less Common Causes:

• Pancreatic Disorders: Tumors or inflammation of the pancreas may cause jaundice.
• Gilbert’s Syndrome: A mild, genetic condition where the liver doesn’t process bilirubin efficiently.

At Digestive Disease Care, we focus on identifying the exact cause through diagnostic tests, allowing for targeted treatment to address the underlying issue, whether it’s liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or hemolysis.

Jaundice is most noticeable by the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. The cause of jaundice is typically related to liver dysfunction or blockages in the bile ducts that prevent the proper processing and elimination of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during red blood cell breakdown.

Signs of Jaundice:

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (the hallmark sign of jaundice).

• Dark-colored urine, which can be the result of excess bilirubin in the bloodstream.

• Pale stools due to the lack of bile excreted into the digestive tract.

• Itchy skin caused by the buildup of bilirubin in the body.

• Fatigue, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss may also accompany jaundice.

• Abdominal pain and nausea can indicate liver or bile duct problems, such as hepatitis or gallstones.

What You Should Do:

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. At Digestive Disease Care, our experts will recommend a comprehensive evaluation using blood tests, liver function tests, and imaging (like ultrasound or MRI) to determine the cause of jaundice.

Conditions Associated with Jaundice:

• Liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis).

• Bile duct obstructions (gallstones, tumors).

• Hemolytic disorders (rapid red blood cell breakdown).

• Pancreatic disorders (pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer).

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and ensure the best outcomes for your liver and digestive health.

You should seek medical attention if you notice the yellowing of the skin or eyes, as this is a common sign of jaundice, indicating a problem with the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts. Jaundice can be a symptom of underlying conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or gallstones, which require prompt evaluation and treatment.

When to Seek Medical Help:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes: This is the most obvious sign of jaundice and requires a doctor’s evaluation.

• Abdominal pain: If jaundice is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, especially in the upper right quadrant, it may indicate a liver or gallbladder issue.

• Dark urine or pale stools: These symptoms indicate abnormal bilirubin processing.

• Itchy skin: Persistent itching is another symptom of bilirubin buildup in the body.

• Fever, vomiting, or confusion: These symptoms may suggest severe liver dysfunction or infection.

• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite: This can indicate a more serious liver condition or cancer.

If jaundice develops suddenly or is associated with any of these symptoms, contact Digestive Disease Care immediately. Our team of specialists is equipped to evaluate your condition using advanced diagnostic tools to identify the cause and begin appropriate treatment.

At Digestive Disease Care, Dr. Alan Sandberg provides personalized treatment for adult jaundice, a condition that requires expert diagnosis and tailored care. With a deep understanding of liver health and a compassionate approach to medicine, Dr. Sandberg offers comprehensive care for individuals suffering from jaundice, focusing on both the underlying causes and effective management. His patient-centered approach ensures that each treatment plan is customized to meet the unique needs of every patient, improving both liver function and overall well-being.

With a genuine passion for his work and a compassionate, patient-centered approach, Dr. Alan Sandberg has earned the trust and admiration of his patients. As a valued member of the Digestive Disease Care team, Dr. Sandberg takes pride in serving the Lake Success, New York, community. He believes that truly understanding his patients’ unique stories is essential for effective healing. By dedicating time to listen and connect with each individual, Dr. Sandberg ensures personalized care that fosters long-lasting relationships and supports optimal health outcomes. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1991 Marcus Ave, Suite M200, Lake Success, NY 11042. We serve patients from Lake Success, NY, Queens, NY, Hempstead NY, Roslyn NY, Jericho NY, Westbury NY, and surrounding areas.