What diseases cause jaundice? Does the hair also turn yellow?
1 Answer
Jaundice itself is not a disease, but a sign of possible underlying pathological processes that occur at some point along the normal physiological pathway of the metabolism of bilirubin in blood.
Explanation:
Jaundice most often occurs either due to the overproduction of bilirubin or due to conditions that prevent the liver from disposing it off. Both cases result in bilirubin being deposited in tissues.
This may occur due to :-
- Acute inflammation of liver.
- Inflammation or obstruction of bile duct.
- Increased production of bilirubin when large quantities of red
blood cells are broken down.
- Collection of bile in the liver instead of being excreted.
- In certain rare case, genetic disorders may lead to jaundice.
Jaundice is related to the function of the liver. Symptoms include a yellow tinge to the skin and whites of the eyes, itchiness, fatigue, abdominal pain, weight loss, vomitting, fever, pale stools and dark urine.
