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Condition

Jaundice

Adult-onset jaundice always needs prompt evaluation — multiple causes, most treatable.

Overview

Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, caused by elevated bilirubin in the blood. In adults, it is always abnormal and always needs evaluation. Causes range from viral hepatitis or gallstones blocking the bile duct (often treatable) to more serious problems like pancreatic or liver cancer. Quick assessment makes a meaningful difference.

Common symptoms

  • Yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes
  • Dark, tea-coloured urine
  • Pale or clay-coloured stools
  • Itching of the skin
  • Fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite
  • Pain in the upper right abdomen (in some causes)

When to see a doctor

Jaundice in an adult needs evaluation within a day or two of noticing the yellowing — sooner if accompanied by pain, fever, or confusion. In newborns and infants, follow your paediatrician's guidance promptly.

How we help

We identify the cause through blood tests (liver enzymes, bilirubin fractions, viral hepatitis panel), ultrasound, and — when bile duct blockage is suspected — advanced imaging (MRCP) or ERCP. ERCP both diagnoses and treats blocked bile ducts in the same procedure (stones removed, narrowed areas opened, stents placed). Treatment is directed at the underlying cause; most cases of jaundice resolve fully with proper management.

This is general information, not a substitute for medical advice. For guidance specific to your case, please consult Dr. Ch. Saikumar or another qualified specialist.

Patient questions

Jaundice — common questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often about jaundice.

What does jaundice mean?
Yellowing of skin and eyes from raised bilirubin in the blood. It always signals a problem in adults — bilirubin builds up when the liver can't process it, the bile ducts are blocked, or red cells are breaking down too fast.
Is jaundice contagious?
Jaundice itself isn't contagious — it's a symptom. The underlying cause may or may not be contagious: hepatitis A and E spread through food and water; hepatitis B and C through blood and body fluids; non-infectious causes (bile duct stones, drugs, alcohol) aren't contagious at all.
How quickly should jaundice be evaluated?
In adults, within 1–2 days of noticing yellowing. Sooner if accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, or confusion — these can signal a blocked bile duct with infection (cholangitis), which is an emergency.
Can jaundice be cured?
In most cases yes — the underlying cause determines treatment. Bile duct stones cleared with ERCP, viral hepatitis treated with antivirals, drug-induced jaundice resolves on stopping the drug. We focus on identifying and treating the cause.
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