Health Tip: Causes for Jaundice

Characterized by yellowish skin

(HealthDay News) - Jaundice occurs when excess bilirubin builds up in the liver, causing the skin and whites of the eyes to develop a yellowish tint. Bilirubin is produced when hemoglobin from red blood cells is broken down by the body.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these possible causes of jaundice:

• A tumor or gallstone obstructing a bile duct.
• Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis).
• A narrowing of a bile duct.
• Cirrhosis of the liver.
• Pancreatic cancer.
• Insufficient blood supply to the liver.
• Congenital defects affecting bilirubin production.
• Malaria.

-- Diana Kohnle

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Last updated 2/14/2008.

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