Jaundice is a disorder characterized by the yellowing of the skin and sclera in response to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment that results from the breakdown of hemoglobin (which carries oxygen through the bloodstream) when the red blood cells are exhausted. The liver helps the body to dispose of bilirubin through feces and urine. Newborns can develop jaundice 2-4 days after delivery when the liver starts to function, while premature babies a few weeks later. Adults and pets can also suffer from jaundice due to liver dysfunction or increased breakdown of red blood cells. By learning to recognize the symptoms of this disease, you can heal faster.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Evaluating the Skin for Symptoms of Jaundice
Step 1. Look for yellow skin and eyes
If you have jaundice, you may notice a yellowish discoloration of the sclera (the whites of the eyes) and all of your skin. It can start from the face and gradually spread to other parts of the body.
- Grab a mirror and take it to a well-lit room. Use natural light if you can, as light bulbs and semi-darkness can alter the tones.
- Apply light pressure to your forehead and nose. Observe the color of the skin as you lift your finger. If you notice a yellow tinge when you release the pressure, it could be jaundice.
- To test your little one, gently press on the forehead or nose for a second, then remove your finger. If there is no problem, the skin lightens momentarily before returning to its normal color, while in case of jaundice it seems slightly yellowed.
- You can also inspect the inside of the mouth by looking at the gums, examine the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands.
- In children, jaundice progresses down the body from head to toe.
- If you have dark skin or are unsure whether you see yellowish undertones, look at the sclera. If your skin is yellow, it could be due to jaundice.
Step 2. Pay attention to any form of itching
Jaundice can cause severe itching due to the accumulation of toxins in the blood vessels during the breakdown of bile, to which bilirubin binds in the liver.
Itching could be due to blocked bile ducts or liver cirrhosis. The bile ducts carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and can become blocked due to the formation of gallstones. Cirrhosis of the liver, on the other hand, is a disease that occurs when the liver is damaged to the point that normal liver tissue gives way to non-functioning scar tissue. It is caused by hepatitis, alcoholism, and other liver disorders
Step 3. Look for subcutaneous spider angiomas
The skin can develop small imperfections because the process from which jaundice originates also causes an increase in blood flow in the blood vessels, making them visible under the skin.
- Spider angiomas are not directly dependent on jaundice, but appear at the same time.
- They turn white when pressed. They pop up most frequently in the upper body, including the torso, arms, hands, neck, and face.
Step 4. Check for subcutaneous bleeding
Small reddish and purple spots may appear indicating subcutaneous bleeding. At the origin of this phenomenon there are coagulation problems caused by the damage suffered by the liver, which is responsible for producing substances that promote blood clotting. Furthermore, the bleeding can be favored by the increased breakdown of red blood cells combined with the production of blood.
Step 5. Pay attention to bruising and bleeding
If you have jaundice, you may notice a greater tendency to bruise yourself, but also notice that the blood takes longer to clot when you cut yourself.
This symptom is also linked to liver damage because a damaged liver is unable to produce the substances that contribute to blood clotting
Part 2 of 3: Look for Other Symptoms of Jaundice
Step 1. Check the color of the stool
If you have jaundice, your stools may change color and become very pale. At the origin of this phenomenon could be an obstruction of the bile ducts which involves a reduction of bilirubin in the fecal matter, excreted mainly through the urine.
- Typically, most of the bilirubin is excreted in the stool.
- If the obstruction is severe, the stool may turn gray.
- In the case of bleeding caused by liver disease, the fecal matter may have traces of blood or take on a black color.
Step 2. Monitor urination frequency and urine color
Some of the bilirubin is excreted through urine, albeit to a lesser extent than in feces. However, in the case of jaundice, the urine takes on a dark color due to elevated levels of bilirubin excreted from the bladder.
- You may also notice decreased urination every time you go to the bathroom. Keep track of the frequency, amount and color of your urine so you can tell your doctor.
- These changes can occur before your skin color changes, so remember to tell your doctor as soon as you feel your urine is darker.
- Newborn urine should be clear. In the case of jaundice, however, it can darken.
Step 3. Look for swollen abdomen
If you have jaundice, the liver and spleen may enlarge, causing the abdomen to swell. Liver disorders can also cause fluid to build up in the belly.
- A swollen abdomen is usually the late symptom of a disease that causes - not a consequence - of jaundice.
- You may also suffer from abdominal pain because the underlying disease could infect or inflame the liver.
Step 4. Pay attention if you have swollen ankles, feet and legs
This is another consequence related to a disease responsible for jaundice.
The liver plays an important role in the excretion of bilirubin through the urine and, if its function is inhibited or there is an excess of pressure in the bloodstream affecting the liver, fluids accumulate in different parts of the body, causing swelling
Step 5. Check if you have a fever
Jaundice can cause body temperature to rise to 38 ° C, or even higher.
The cause can be a liver infection (such as hepatitis) or a blockage of the bile ducts
Step 6. Examine your child's behavior
Babies may communicate their distress by screaming, crying in a shrill voice, becoming intractable, refusing to feed, experiencing sleepiness, or difficulty waking.
- If you are discharged from the hospital within 72 hours of giving birth, make an appointment with your pediatrician over the next two days to check if your child has jaundice.
- If left untreated, more severe forms of neonatal jaundice can lead to permanent brain damage.
Step 7. Get tested for bilirubin readings and diagnose jaundice
The most accurate way to know if you or your child has jaundice is to have blood tests done to see if there is a rise in bilirubin levels. If the values are high, your doctor may order further tests to determine the cause, find any complications, and evaluate your liver function.
Newborns may be subjected to transcutaneous bilirubin measurement. It consists in positioning a special device which, analyzing the light reflected by the skin, indicates which part of the light beam is absorbed and which is rejected. It allows the doctor to calculate the amount of bilirubin present
Step 8. Notice other symptoms of severe liver disease
They can include weight loss, nausea and vomiting, or traces of blood in the vomit.
Part 3 of 3: Controlling Jaundice in Pets
Step 1. Inspect the skin of the dog or cat
Although observation is more difficult on some breeds, all dogs and cats with jaundice can have yellowish skin.
- Check the gums, sclera, base of the ears, nostrils, abdomen and genitals, as the discoloration in these areas may be more noticeable.
- If you suspect your furry friend is suffering from jaundice, take him to the vet urgently for a visit. If this disorder is diagnosed, it means that you have a disease (such as hepatitis or other liver problems) and that you need treatment, otherwise it could become fatal.
Step 2. Look at your urine and feces
As with humans, pet urine may also become darker due to increased excretion of bilirubin. Unlike people, fecal matter can be even darker and take on an orange color.
Urination may be more frequent than normal
Step 3. Study your eating habits
Animals with jaundice may be very thirsty but have little appetite and lose weight despite having abdominal swelling. These are all symptoms that lead to jaundice and indicate an underlying disease.
Step 4. Observe the behavior
Like humans, animals can also become lethargic and have difficulty breathing, including due to the underlying disease.
Advice
- Jaundice affects all men, regardless of ethnicity.
- If you eat a large amount of foods that contain beta-carotene (such as carrots and squash), your skin may take on a slightly yellowish tint, but not your eyes. It is not jaundice, but a phenomenon related to diet and not to liver function.
