Also described as: “Peeliya, aankhein peeli hona”
Common symptoms
- Yellow eyes and skin
- Dark yellow urine
- Pale or clay-coloured stools
- Itching
- Loss of appetite, nausea, fever
See a doctor promptly if
- Confusion or excessive sleepiness
- Bleeding or bruising
- High fever with chills
- Severe abdominal pain
- Jaundice in pregnancy
Jaundice is a sign, not a disease
Jaundice means bilirubin has built up in the blood. The cause can lie in the liver itself (viral hepatitis A, E, B, alcohol, medicines), in the bile ducts (stones, strictures, tumours) or, less often, in the blood.
How we find the cause
Blood tests, viral markers and an ultrasound usually point to the cause. If the bile duct is blocked, MRCP, EUS or ERCP may be needed.
Treatment
Viral hepatitis A and E usually settle with rest, fluids and monitoring. Blockages are relieved with ERCP. Medicine- or alcohol-related jaundice needs the trigger stopped. Avoid unproven herbal remedies, which can themselves injure the liver.
How we can help
Frequently asked questions
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shivam Kalia MBBS, MD (Medicine), DM (Gastroenterology) · Consultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist