Diagnosis of Jaundice

Jaundice is a condition which occurs when there is damage to the liver or blockage in a bile duct. The liver has many functions, including removing waste products such as bilirubin, which comes from destroyed red blood cells, from the blood. When too many red blood cells enter the liver, yellow pigment from bilirubin builds up and causes jaundice.

Causes

• Babies may have jaundice during their first week of birth because the liver is not mature enough to handle the bilirubin. Treatment may not be necessary unless it becomes severe. Make sure your doctor is aware if your baby has jaundice. Causes for adult jaundice include alcoholism, chronic hepatitis, pancreatic cancer, anemia, cirrhosis and malaria.

Types

• There are several common types of jaundice in newborns. Physiological jaundice, also known as normal jaundice, affects newborns whose liver is not developed to maturity. This jaundice appears two to four days after birth and normally clears up within one to two weeks. Breastfeeding jaundice occurs when the newborn is having difficulty feeding from the mother's breast or the mother is not producing enough milk.

  A medical condition called Gilberts Syndrome is a hereditary illness that is caused by low levels of enzymes in the liver that process bilirubin. Fortunately, the condition needs no treatment, according to the National Institute of Health.

Symptoms

• Jaundice has distinct symptoms: yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Other symptoms may include darkened urine and light-colored stools. When jaundice is caused by hepatitis, symptoms may also include appetite loss, fever and vomiting. Jaundice caused by a blockage of bile may have symptoms of abdominal pain and fever.

Diagnosis

• Your doctor will perform a physical exam inspecting your skin, eyes and abdomen. Pain in the abdomen may indicate bile blockage. Blood tests will reveal an increase in bilirubin in the bloodstream. An ultrasound will reveal if gallstones or tumors are affecting the pancreas or liver. A computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will reveal bile obstruction and where it's located.

Treatment

• Treatment depends on what medical condition is causing the jaundice. Gallstones blocking bile ducts need to be removed or dissolved. Alcohol should be avoided if cirrhosis of the liver is diagnosed. Newborns with high levels of jaundice are treated with phototherapy, which uses a special light to rid the body of excess bilirubin. The phototherapy alters bilirubin so the newborn's liver can eliminate it easier. Frequent feedings may also help the baby pass bilirubin in their stools. Your doctor will be able to inform you on the best way to treat your baby.