A – Z of Illnesses & Conditions

Jaundice: Jaundice is a condition where the skin, mucus membranes or eyes turn yellow. The yellow colour comes from bilirubin, a byproduct of old red blood cells. Everyday, some red blood cells in your body die and are replaced by new ones. The liver removes the old blood cells forming bilirubin. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed by the body in the stool.

When too much bilirubin builds up in the body, jaundice may result. Jaundice can be a symptom of many health problems. Jaundice is often a sign of a problem with the liver, gallbladder or pancreas. Infections, use of certain drugs, cancer, blood disorders, gallstones, birth defects and a number of other medical conditions can lead to jaundice.