Written by:Fact check:

What It Means

What Jaundice Means

Jaundice is yellowing of the skin and, especially, the whites of the eyes. It happens when too much bilirubin, a yellow substance in the blood, builds up in the body. Jaundice is a sign of an underlying process rather than a disease by itself, so its meaning depends on the cause.

How bilirubin is normally handled

Bilirubin is produced when old red blood cells are broken down. The liver takes bilirubin from the blood, changes it so the body can remove it, and sends it through bile into the intestines. Problems that cause too much red blood cell breakdown, interfere with liver processing, or block the bile ducts can lead to jaundice. The jaundice meaning is therefore linked to where this process is disrupted.

Jaundice symptoms may look different across skin tones. Yellowing is often easiest to notice in the whites of the eyes, under the tongue, or in natural light; on some skin tones, changes may be more visible in these areas than on the skin. Yellow eyes, dark urine, or pale stools can also provide useful clues.

Emergency Warning Signs

Emergency Warning Signs

GET URGENT MEDICAL HELP

Jaundice can sometimes be an emergency

Seek immediate medical evaluation for jaundice with confusion, extreme sleepiness, fainting, severe abdominal pain, fever, repeated vomiting, bleeding, very dark urine with pale stools, or rapidly worsening yellowing. These clinical features of jaundice can signal a serious problem involving the liver, bile ducts, blood, or an infection.

For a newborn: get urgent help if the baby is difficult to wake, feeding poorly, has a high-pitched cry, fever, breathing difficulty, or yellowing during the first 24 hours of life.

Possible Causes

Possible Causes of Jaundice

What causes jaundice usually falls into three main pathways: the body produces too much bilirubin, the liver cannot process it effectively, or bile cannot flow out normally. The table below gives examples, but symptoms alone cannot identify the cause.

Cause categoryExamplesPossible associated clues
Red blood cell breakdownConditions that destroy red blood cells faster than usual, including some blood disordersPaleness, tiredness, shortness of breath, or other signs of anemia may occur
Liver inflammation or injuryViral hepatitis, alcohol-related liver injury, fatty liver disease, or other liver conditionsNausea, poor appetite, abdominal discomfort, itching, dark urine, or unusual tiredness
Bile duct or gallbladder blockageGallstones, inflammation, or a narrowing or blockage of the bile ductsUpper abdominal pain, itching, dark urine, pale stools, or fever
Medication or inherited disordersA medicine-related reaction or inherited conditions that affect bilirubin processingThe timing of symptoms, family history, or recurrence may provide clues
Newborn jaundiceThe developing liver may process bilirubin slowly; blood group differences or other newborn conditions can also contributeYellowing in the first day, worsening yellowing, poor feeding, or reduced alertness needs prompt assessment

Duration Triage Table

What Jaundice May Mean by How Long It Lasts

PatternWhat it may suggestWhat to do
Sudden onset over hours to daysA new problem affecting red blood cells, the liver, or bile flow; in a newborn, timing within the first day is especially importantArrange prompt medical assessment rather than relying on duration to identify the cause
Jaundice lasting days to weeksOngoing liver inflammation, bile flow problems, medication effects, or a newborn pattern that needs monitoringContact a healthcare professional for assessment, particularly if yellowing worsens or other symptoms develop
Persistent or recurrent jaundiceA continuing or repeated problem with bilirubin processing, liver health, bile flow, blood cells, or an inherited conditionArrange medical evaluation; duration alone cannot confirm the diagnosis

Relief Tips

What You Can Do While Waiting for Care

  • Arrange medical assessment promptly.
  • Continue usual fluids and feeds if you can keep them down.
  • Avoid alcohol until a clinician has assessed the jaundice.
  • Do not start supplements or stop prescribed medicines without medical advice.
  • Record changes in urine, stool, skin color, pain, fever, and alertness.

When to See a Doctor

When to See a Doctor About Jaundice

  • Seek prompt medical advice for newly noticed, worsening, persistent, or recurrent jaundice.
  • Arrange prompt assessment when jaundice occurs with dark urine, pale stools, itching, abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, weight loss, or unusual tiredness.
  • Contact a healthcare professional promptly for any newborn with visible jaundice.

Evaluation may include a physical examination, bilirubin and liver blood tests, a blood count, and urine testing. Imaging or other tests may be recommended based on the suspected cause and the person’s age, symptoms, and medical history.

Diseases & Conditions

11 topics