Jaundice in Ocean Springs, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat is jaundice?
While jaundice is often found in newborns, it can also develop in adults. This condition makes the whites of the eyes and skin create a yellow tone. This results from excess levels of bilirubin, a yellowish compound in the liver. Even though jaundice often doesn’t have to be treated, it’s essential to visit a board-certified GI provider at Digestive Health Center when you start observing your eyes or skin becoming a yellow hue since the root source might need to be treated. For additional information about treating jaundice in Ocean Springs, MS, call our staff to request an appointment at a location near you.
What causes jaundice?
Jaundice occurs when someone has high bilirubin levels, an orange-yellow pigment created in the liver during the breakdown of RBCs (red blood cells). The exact cause behind jaundice is based on whether it takes place before the production process, during production, or after bilirubin production.
Reasons for jaundice before the production of bilirubin (unconjugated jaundice) include:
- Reabsorption of a severe bruise (pooling of blood beneath the skin)
- Hemolytic anemias (blood cells are broken down ahead of their regular life cycle)
Reasons for jaundice throughout the production of bilirubin are:
- Hepatitis A, B, or C
- Alcohol use
- Some drugs
- Epstein-Barr or other viruses
- Autoimmune disorders
Causes of jaundice after the bilirubin production process could be because of blocked bile ducts due to:
- Bladder inflammation
- Multiple types of cancer
- Gallstones
Some patients additionally have jaundice associated with conditions of the liver. This could be the case if you have the following:
- Liver inflammation (or long-lasting hepatitis)
- Acute hepatitis A, B, or C
- Pyoderma gangrenosum (a skin problem)
- Joint inflammation
What are some symptoms of jaundice?
Jaundice is commonly diagnosed accidentally — in fact, most of the time, there aren’t even symptoms. However, some individuals will present with symptoms according to the root cause of jaundice. During your visit to our Ocean Springs, MS office, if you present with signs like fever, chilling, abdominal aches, yellow skin, dark urine, white-colored bowel movements, or symptoms of the flu, you could have jaundice because of an infection.
On the other hand, if an infection is not the cause of your jaundice, you might experience an unexplained drop in body weight or skin that itches. Also, the most frequent sign of jaundice associated with cancer is a pain in the abdomen.
When you’re experiencing some of the indicators mentioned above, we invite you to request a consultation at Digestive Health Center so we can assess the health and wellness of your liver.
How is jaundice diagnosed and treated?
Jaundice is frequently discovered accidentally when addressing other issues or signs. Jaundice can be detected by looking for signs of liver disease. Symptoms associated with this commonly encompass:
- Red color on the palms and fingertips (palmar erythema)
- Visible blood vessels
- Bruises on the skin
Urinalysis and blood panels could additionally reveal bilirubin amounts. Additionally, we could perform a liver exam to examine your liver size and function.
After it's detected, your gastroenterologist can proceed to treat the root issues of jaundice. Since jaundice itself doesn’t warrant treatment, our team will usually handle its effects. A number of the symptoms we help with are:
- Stomach pain or indigestion
- Bloating
- Loose stools
- Constipation
- Vomiting
Treatment for symptoms of jaundice
If you have noticed a yellow tone in your eyes or skin or experienced abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, stomach bloating, or throwing up, this can indicate jaundice. Even though jaundice usually doesn’t require intervention, the underlying source of the condition still may — such as gallstones, bladder or liver inflammation, long-term hepatitis, and even cancer. Our skilled gastroenterologists at Digestive Health Center specialize in treating jaundice along with several other varieties of liver problems connected to it. For further info regarding jaundice and how to address and limit the chances of it, reach out to our Ocean Springs, MS facility to request a consultation.
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Dr McNair has treated me since 1983. My Mother n law was seriously ill in SRH. Dr McNair came in ICU and saved her life. That year 1983 I made an appt to be one of his patients. He had not been on the Coast very long at all. But took me as new patient…I still am a patient of Dr A McNair. He’s Brilliant. I love the whole team❤️ May 1, 2023
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