Jaundice

Jaundice is a condition in which the skin, sclera (whites of the eyes), and mucous membranes turn yellow. This yellow color is caused by a high level of bilirubin, a yellow-orange bile pigment. Bile is fluid secreted by the liver. Bilirubin is formed from the breakdown of red blood cells. Jaundice is often a sign of a problem with the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. Jaundice can occur when too much bilirubin builds up in the body. This may happen when: There are too many red blood cells dying or breaking down (hemolysis) and going to the liver.

Jaundice frequently indicates a problem with the liver or bile ducts. When the liver is not working properly, it can cause a waste material called bilirubin to build up in the blood.

As jaundice may sometimes indicate damage to the liver, a liver transplant may be necessary in some cases, depending on the severity of the injury.