Jaundice

It occurs with conditions associated with the liver and gallbladder. Jaundice happens in people who develop hepatitis and those who have stones in the gallbladder.

Symptoms of Jaundice

Skin Color: The body skin is discoloured with a yellow tinge to it. There is also yellowing of the sclera (the white of the eye). This can be easily seen in sunlight. It starts from the face and spreads to the trunk and legs. This yellow color acquires attention to some underlying disease. This condition is not harmful for the skin and recovery is complete when the disease is treated.

Itching all over the Body: Due to any disease, that impedes the flow of bile juice into the intestine, there is the release of substances of bile in the blood. These substances cause itching all over the body. This can be alleviated by applying Vitamin E lotion.

Dark coloured Urine: If Bilirubin cannot find its path to be excreted through the stools, it is removed from the body in the urine.

Clay-colored Stools: The absence of Bilirubin from the stool gives it a clay-colored appearance. This is because of the undigested fats.

There are other symptoms that are originally associated with the underlying disease.

Abdominal Pain: Pain just beneath the rib cage on the right side of the abdomen can be due to stones in the gallbladder. Sometimes it is sensed only when pressure is applied.

Fever: Fever can occur when there is an excessive breakdown of red blood cells. Also, infection of gallbladder due to contamination of gallstones can cause fever. Fever is common in various liver diseases. Chills and rigor can accompany the condition.