What does jaundice mean?

Jaundice is actually a symptom caused by increased bilirubin in the blood, which usually manifests as yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes and whites of the eyes. The appearance of this symptom is often closely related to certain physiological or pathological conditions of the human body.

Under normal circumstances, the red blood cells in the human body will continue to age and break down, producing bilirubin. Most of this bilirubin is converted by the liver into direct bilirubin, which is discharged into the intestine with bile, and a small part is converted into indirect bilirubin, which enters the blood circulation. If there is a problem in any link of this process, it may cause bilirubin to accumulate in the body, leading to jaundice.

There are many causes of jaundice, the most common of which include hepatitis, cirrhosis, and bile duct obstruction. These diseases affect the liver's normal processing of bilirubin or hinder the excretion of bilirubin from the bile duct, thus causing jaundice. In addition, newborns are also prone to physiological jaundice because their liver function is not fully developed. This condition generally subsides naturally as the newborn grows.

The appearance of jaundice is not a single symptom, it may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, yellow urine, etc. Once jaundice symptoms appear, you should seek medical attention in time so that the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis based on the specific situation and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.

The key to treating jaundice is to find out the cause behind it and treat it accordingly. For liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, antiviral and liver-protective drugs may be needed; for bile duct obstruction, surgery may be needed to clear it. During treatment, patients should maintain good living habits, avoid overwork, ensure adequate rest, and follow the doctor's advice for regular checkups.

Jaundice is a symptom that should not be ignored. Understanding the causes, symptoms and treatments of jaundice can help us better maintain our health and respond to possible health problems in a timely manner. With a scientific attitude and correct knowledge, we can always stay healthy.