Jaundice in Lubbock, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is jaundice?
Although jaundice is most often seen in newborn babies, it can occur in adults as well. This condition causes the whites of the eyes and skin to develop into a yellow shade. This is the result of elevated levels of bilirubin, a yellowish compound in the liver. While jaundice often doesn’t have to be treated, it’s a good idea to speak with a skilled GI provider at a Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates location in your community if you notice your eyes or skin developing a yellow color, as the root cause could warrant treatment. To learn more about available treatment options for jaundice in Lubbock, TX, connect with our team to request a consultation today.
What causes jaundice?
Jaundice develops if a person has high levels of bilirubin. This is an orange-yellow substance created in the liver during the breakdown of red blood cells. The exact cause behind jaundice depends on whether it takes place before, during, or after bilirubin production.
Reasons for why jaundice develops prior to bilirubin production (unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia) are:
- Hemolytic anemias (red blood cells are destroyed more quickly than their regular life cycle)
- Reabsorption of a large hematoma (clotted blood outside the blood vessel)
Causes of jaundice throughout the production of bilirubin include:
- Viruses (such as Epstein-Barr)
- Drinking alcohol
- Autoimmune diseases
- Hepatitis A, B, or C
- Specific drugs
The cause of jaundice following bilirubin production might be the result of obstructed bile ducts due to:
- Bladder inflammation
- Gallstones
- Some cancers
Some patients additionally have jaundice because of conditions of the liver. This can occur if you have:
- Acute hepatitis A, B, or C
- Joint conditions like arthritis
- Liver inflammation (or long-term hepatitis)
- Pyoderma gangrenosum (a skin problem)
What are the symptoms of jaundice?
Most symptoms that develop will be in connection with the root cause of jaundice. During your visit to one of our Lubbock, TX locations, be sure to let your provider know if you have signs like chills, fever, stomach aches, yellowing of the skin, dark urine, pale-colored stool, or flu-like symptoms, as you may be experiencing jaundice resulting from an infection.
On the other hand, when your jaundice is not the result of an infection, you could experience an unintentional drop in body weight or itchy skin. If your jaundice is caused by cancer, the most common symptom is stomach pain.
It is important to consult your Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates provider if you are experiencing symptoms with your jaundice so that they can help you determine the root cause.
How is jaundice diagnosed and treated?
Jaundice is often discovered unintentionally when addressing other ailments or symptoms. Jaundice can be found by checking for signs of liver disease. Signs of this typically encompass:
- Red color on the palms and fingertips (palmar erythema)
- Bruises on the skin
- Visible blood vessels
Urinalysis and blood tests can also show bilirubin numbers. Additionally, we may recommend a liver exam to check your liver size and tenderness.
Once jaundice has been diagnosed, your provider can begin addressing the root cause of jaundice. Since jaundice doesn't generally require treatment, our team will often focus on the symptoms related to it. Several symptoms we treat are:
- Bloating
- Fewer than normal bowel movements
- Loose stools
- Pain in the stomach or indigestion
- Throwing up
Find the cause of your jaundice
If you notice a yellow color in your skin or eyes and you are suffering from abdominal discomfort, constipation or diarrhea, a bloated belly, or throwing up, it could be a sign of jaundice. Though jaundice itself doesn’t generally require treatment, the underlying cause of the issue might — underlying causes include gallstones, inflammation of the liver or bladder, ongoing hepatitis, or cancer. The talented GI providers at your nearest Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates location are experienced in addressing jaundice along with several different liver-related problems. To get more information on jaundice and how to address and limit the risk of it, contact one of our Lubbock, TX locations to request a consultation.
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