Question

Write a short note on jaundice.


(Want answer in about 60 or 60+ words)​

Answer 1

Answer:

Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and the whites of eyes that happens when the body does not process bilirubin properly. This may be due to a problem in the liver. It is also known as icterus. Bilirubin is a yellow-colored waste material that remains in the bloodstream after iron is removed from the blood

Answer 2

Answer:

• Jaundice is a sign of abnormal bilirubin metabolism and excretion.
• Eyes appear yellow because of build-up of a yellow brown pigment called bilirubin in the blood and skin.
• Bilirubin produced by the breakdown of haemoglobin, is usually conjugated. Bilirubin is water soluble and can be excreted.
• Unconjugated bilirubin is fat soluble and has a toxic effect on the brain cells.
• Serum bilirubin may rise to 40 to 50 μ mol/l before the yellow colouration of skin and conjunctiva is seen. (Normal value is 3 to 13 μ mol/l).

Causes: Jaundice is not a disease but a condition.

☯ Jaundice develops when there is

i. an abnormality at some stage in the metabolic sequence caused by excess haemolysis of red blood cells with the production of more bilirubin than the liver can deal with.

ii. obstruction to the flow of bile from the liver to the duodenum.

iii. abnormal liver function.

Effects:

Effects of raised bilirubin include:

i. pruritus (itching) caused by the irritating effects of bile salts on the skin.

ii. pale face and

iii. dark urine and whitish stool

Treatment/Prevention:

There is no specific drug to prevent jaundice. The treatment involves supportive care, bed rest and treatment of cause.