Health Tip: Causes for Jaundice
Characterized by yellowish skin
Posted 2/14/08
(HealthDay News) - Jaundice occurs when excess bilirubin builds up in the liver, causing the skin and whites of the eyes to develop a yellowish tint. Bilirubin is produced when hemoglobin from red blood cells is broken down by the body.
The Cleveland Clinic offers these possible causes of jaundice:
- A tumor or gallstone obstructing a bile duct.
- Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis).
- A narrowing of a bile duct.
- Cirrhosis of the liver.
- Pancreatic cancer.
- Insufficient blood supply to the liver.
- Congenital defects affecting bilirubin production.
- Malaria.
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