Jaundice-Related Conditions

In the face of a yellowish coloring of the skin and eyes, it is advisable to study conditions related to jaundice, a sign that appears when bilirubin builds up, a substance the body produces when renewing red blood cells. Jaundice is not a disease in itself, but a signal that something is altering its processing.

What can cause it: disorders of the liver, of the bile ducts, or an accelerated turnover of red blood cells are among the possible origins.

Other signs: dark urine, pale stools, itching, or general malaise may accompany it.

Whom to see?: Its evaluation falls to the gastroenterologist and, in children, to the pediatric gastroenterologist or the pediatrician; the general surgeon steps in in certain cases. When the skin or eyes turn yellow, it is advisable to have a professional review the case promptly.