What is prehepatic Jaundice and posthepatic jaundice?

Jaundice is a condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. It is caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down.

There are two main types of jaundice:

* Prehepatic jaundice occurs when there is a problem with the production or destruction of red blood cells. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:

* Hemolytic anemia: A condition in which red blood cells are destroyed prematurely

* Sickle cell anemia: A genetic disorder in which the red blood cells are sickle-shaped and can easily be destroyed

* Thalassemia: A genetic disorder in which the body produces too little hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells

* Posthepatic jaundice occurs when there is a problem with the flow of bile from the liver to the intestines. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:

* Gallstones: Hardened deposits of bile that can block the bile ducts

* Cholangitis: Inflammation of the bile ducts

* Liver cancer

* Cirrhosis: A chronic liver disease that can lead to scarring of the liver

Prehepatic and posthepatic jaundice are both diagnosed with blood tests and imaging tests. The treatment for jaundice depends on the underlying cause.

Symptoms of jaundice

The symptoms of jaundice include:

* Yellow skin and whites of the eyes

* Dark urine

* Light-colored stools

* Itching

* Fatigue

* Nausea and vomiting

* Abdominal pain

Treatment of jaundice

The treatment of jaundice depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, jaundice may not require treatment. In other cases, treatment may include:

* Medications to reduce the production of bilirubin

* Surgery to remove gallstones or other obstructions

* Liver transplant

Outlook for jaundice

The outlook for jaundice depends on the underlying cause. With early diagnosis and treatment, most cases of jaundice can be successfully treated.