Jaundice, one of the most common but frustrating conditions that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Though many people think jaundice itself is a disease, in reality, it is the symptom of an underlying health issue.
Those who get affected by jaundice suffer from yellowing of the skin and eyes due to the excess deposition of bilirubin in the blood. Jaundice is treatable depending on the patient’s pre-existing health problems, which can either be mild or life-threatening.
Many patients think that jaundice is not dangerous and they consider this as a normal change in the skin colour, especially in the early stage when there are no such annoying symptoms. But is this really the case?
Let’s get the answer to this question from a jaundice treatment doctor.
Jaundice: The Hidden Danger
Jaundice is often ignored as a harmless condition. However, what many people don’t know is that it is a serious health issue. If you have jaundice, it indicates that your liver is failing and it has developed a major disorder.
The yellowing of the skin and eyes in jaundice is due to too much deposition of bilirubin in the blood. When the red blood cells break down, it produces the yellow pigment, bilirubin. The liver’s function is to process the bilirubin so that it gets removed from the body through stool.
Now, when there is damage or blockage in the liver, it loses its ability to function and eliminate bilirubin. Jaundice is a warning sign that calls for immediate attention to seek treatment for liver disease. Liver issues can range from diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis to even bile duct problems like gallstones, strictures and tumours. If jaundice is not treated properly, it will eventually progress to serious complications when treatment becomes complicated.
When Should You Worry About Jaundice?
If you notice that the yellowing of the skin and eyes is spreading to other parts of the body, especially the palms of hands or the soles of feet, it means your condition is becoming worse. Moreover, if jaundice is accompanied by symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, dark urine and sudden weight loss, you must take prompt action and get treated immediately.
What Are The Complications Associated With Untreated Jaundice?
If jaundice is left untreated, it gives rise to a range of serious health problems such as:
- Liver failure: When the liver becomes unresponsive to treatment and can no longer perform its function. It is a fatal condition and you might require a liver transplant.
- Cancer: Jaundice can also be a sign of first-stage liver cancer. If not screened, it can spread very quickly and prognosis becomes difficult.
- Sepsis: If jaundice is caused by an infection in the liver, it can also spread very quickly leading to sepsis.
If you or someone you know is suffering from jaundice, it is advised to schedule an appointment with a jaundice treatment doctor to find out the root cause of the condition and prevent life-threatening health complications in the future.
