Hello, I'm a healthcare professional with experience in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions. Jaundice is a condition where your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow. It's typically a sign that there's an issue with your liver or your body's ability to process a chemical called bilirubin. Here's how you can identify jaundice:
1. Yellowing of the skin and eyes: This is the most noticeable symptom. The yellow color is due to the buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells.
2. Dark urine: Bilirubin is also excreted in urine, and high levels can cause your urine to become darker than normal.
3. Light-colored stools: Because bilirubin is not being processed normally, stools may appear lighter or clay-colored.
4. Fatigue: The liver plays a crucial role in metabolism, and issues with liver function can lead to fatigue or weakness.
5. Itchy skin: Sometimes, bilirubin can cause the skin to itch, especially in severe cases of jaundice.
6. Loss of appetite: Changes in appetite can be a symptom of liver problems, which may be the underlying cause of jaundice.
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Abdominal pain: Pain in the abdomen, particularly in the upper right area, can be a sign of liver issues.
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Fever: In some cases, a fever may accompany jaundice, especially if it's due to an infection.
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Swelling in the legs and ankles: This can be a sign of fluid retention, which can be related to liver problems.
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Confusion: In severe cases, jaundice can be associated with confusion or altered mental state.
If you suspect you have jaundice, it's important to seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare provider will perform a physical examination and may order blood tests to measure the levels of bilirubin and other liver enzymes, which can help determine the cause of the jaundice.
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