Jaundice

There are many different causes. Some affect the liver tissue, directly like alcoholic liver disease, and some that block the flow of bile from the liver, like cancer of the head of the pancreas.

The most common symptoms of jaundice are:

• yellow skin
• yellowed whites of the eyes

In some cases, you may also have itchy skin, darker urine and paler stools.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should urgently arrange to seeyour GP or consultant who can assess your condition as they could be signs that your body isn’t functioning properly.

Your GP or consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and diagnose which type of jaundice you have based on what’s disrupting the normal removal of bilirubin from your body. Tests they recommend may include:

• a urine test to measure levels of urobilinogen (a substance produced when bacteria inside the digestive system break down bilirubin)
• a blood test (to test serum bilirubin levels and liver function)
• an ultrasound, MRI or CT scan to detect abnormalities within the liver
• biopsy of the liver to assess liver tissue

Treatment options for jaundice depend on the extent of the condition, the underlying cause and your overall health and fitness. These may include medical treatments, stents or surgical operations.