Key facts
- Causes: Hepatitis (viral, alcohol, drugs); Gallstones blocking the bile duct; Tumours of the pancreas or bile duct.
- Red flags: Same-day care for jaundice with confusion, vomiting blood, fever with shivering, or painless jaundice with weight loss.
- Tests: Liver function tests, ultrasound, then MRCP, CT or ERCP depending on findings.
- What causes yellow skin and eyes? Jaundice appears when bilirubin, a yellow pigment from the normal breakdown of red blood cells, builds up in the blood.
- Symptoms that come with jaundice: Dark, tea-coloured urine and pale stools (suggest a blockage); Itching all over the body; Fever with shivering (possible infected bile duct, called cholangitis).
On this page
Causes
- Hepatitis (viral, alcohol, drugs)
- Gallstones blocking the bile duct
- Tumours of the pancreas or bile duct
- Blood disorders
Red flags
Same-day care for jaundice with confusion, vomiting blood, fever with shivering, or painless jaundice with weight loss.
Tests
Liver function tests, ultrasound, then MRCP, CT or ERCP depending on findings.
What causes yellow skin and eyes?
Jaundice appears when bilirubin, a yellow pigment from the normal breakdown of red blood cells, builds up in the blood. It is a sign, not a disease. Doctors group the causes by where the problem lies:
| Type | Where the problem is | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-hepatic | Too many red cells breaking down | Haemolysis, Gilbert syndrome |
| Hepatic | Liver cells damaged | Viral hepatitis, alcohol, drugs, cirrhosis |
| Post-hepatic (obstructive) | Bile flow blocked | Gallstones, pancreatic or bile duct tumours, strictures |
Symptoms that come with jaundice
- Dark, tea-coloured urine and pale stools (suggest a blockage)
- Itching all over the body
- Fever with shivering (possible infected bile duct, called cholangitis)
- Pain in the upper abdomen (gallstones)
- Weight loss and loss of appetite (needs a scan to rule out a tumour)
Treatment depends on the cause
Viral hepatitis usually settles with rest and fluids. Stones in the bile duct are removed by ERCP, followed by gallbladder surgery. A blocked duct caused by a tumour may need a stent and then surgery such as a Whipple operation. Jaundice from end-stage cirrhosis may mean a transplant is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is jaundice in adults serious?
It can be. Mild jaundice from Gilbert syndrome is harmless, but jaundice can also signal hepatitis, a blocked bile duct or a tumour, so it should always be checked.
How long does jaundice last?
Jaundice from hepatitis A or E usually clears in 2–6 weeks. Jaundice from a blockage lasts until the blockage is treated.
What should I eat during jaundice?
Normal, freshly cooked meals with enough calories and protein, plenty of fluids and no alcohol. Strict fat-free diets are not needed in most cases.
What is painless jaundice?
Jaundice without pain, especially with weight loss, can be a sign of a tumour of the pancreas or bile duct and needs an urgent scan.
Which tests are done for jaundice?
Liver function tests, a complete blood count and an ultrasound first; then MRCP, CT or ERCP depending on what they show.
Group Director – Liver Transplant, HPB, GI & Robotic Surgery, Yatharth Group of Hospitals. 18+ years in liver transplantation.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Speak to the transplant team for a personal assessment.
