Jaundice in Baton Rouge, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is jaundice?
Although jaundice mainly occurs in newborns, adults can get it as well. This issue causes the whites of the eyes and the skin to develop a yellow shade. This is the result of high levels of bilirubin, a yellow-orange compound in the liver. Though jaundice often doesn’t have to be treated, it’s important to consult with a skilled gastroenterologist like the ones at Gastroenterology Associates if you begin seeing your eyes or skin developing a yellow hue, as the root cause could need treatment. To get additional information about treating jaundice in Baton Rouge, LA, call your nearest location to request a consultation today.
What are the main causes of jaundice?
Jaundice happens if an individual has abnormal levels of bilirubin, which is a yellow-orange bile waste product formed in the liver from the destruction of RBCs (red blood cells). The exact cause of jaundice depends on if it appears prior to the process, during production, or after the production of bilirubin.
Reasons for jaundice before the production of bilirubin (unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia) are:
- Reabsorption of a severe bruise (clotted blood under the skin)
- Hemolytic anemias (blood cells are destroyed before the end of their normal life cycle)
Reasons for jaundice throughout the production of bilirubin are:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Alcohol use
- Hepatitis A, B, or C
- Certain drugs
- Epstein-Barr or other viruses
The cause of jaundice after bilirubin production might be the result of blocked bile ducts due to:
- Some types of cancer
- Inflammation of the bladder
- Gallstones
Some patients additionally have jaundice because of diseases of the liver. This may be the case if you experience:
- Pyoderma gangrenosum (a skin disease)
- Liver inflammation (or chronic hepatitis)
- Acute hepatitis A, B, or C
- Inflammation of the joints
What are some signs of jaundice?
Jaundice is commonly diagnosed unintentionally — as a matter of fact, oftentimes, there are no symptoms. However, some people may present with certain symptoms that illustrate the root cause of jaundice. For example, if you present with issues such as chills, fever, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin, dark urine, light-colored bowel movements, or symptoms of the flu, you could be dealing with jaundice because of an infection.
However, if your jaundice is not the result of any type of infection, it's possible to have an unintended drop in body weight or skin that itches. In addition, the most widespread indication of jaundice associated with cancer is pain in the abdomen.
How is jaundice diagnosed and treated?
Jaundice is often detected when treating different ailments or symptoms. Jaundice could be found by looking for indications of liver disease. Signs associated with this often include:
- Varicose veins
- Red color on the palms and fingertips (palmar erythema)
- Bruising on the skin
Urinalysis and blood tests will display bilirubin numbers, which can be used during diagnosis. Additionally, we may recommend a liver test to study your liver health and tenderness.
Once detected, we can start to treat the underlying issues of jaundice. Since jaundice doesn't normally warrant intervention, our Baton Rouge, LA gastrointestinal specialists usually treat the related symptoms. Several of the problems we treat include:
- Pain in the abdomen
- Indigestion
- Loose, watery bowel movements
- Fewer than normal bowel movements
- Being bloated
- Vomiting
Care for jaundice-related symptoms
If you have observed a yellow tone in your skin or eyes, been experiencing stomach discomfort, diarrhea or constipation, a bloated stomach, or throwing up, this could indicate jaundice. Even though jaundice itself often doesn’t require treatment, the root cause of the problem possibly could — such as gallstones, inflamed bladder or liver, long-term hepatitis, and even cancer. The skilled gastroenterologists at Gastroenterology Associates are experienced in treating jaundice along with the several different types of liver conditions and GI issues associated with it. For more information about jaundice and ways to treat and reduce the risk of it, reach out to any one of our Baton Rouge, LA locations to request an appointment.
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