- Jaundice symptoms are caused by the presence of bilirubin in the body. Bilirubin is produced when the liver breaks down dead red blood cells. In a normally functioning body, this substance is disposed of in the stools. In individuals with jaundice, the liver is unable to process the bilirubin quickly enough, and it builds up in the bloodstream. This can happen because the liver is given too much old blood to deal with, which is common after birth, or because of liver or blood diseases.
- Jaundice is most commonly seen in infants. Symptoms typically appear between the second and fourth day after birth, which is why jaundice tests typically occur 36 hours after birth. Infants with jaundice will have a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Because newborns tend to have a different skin tone than adults, this can be hard to determine visually. Parents who are concerned about jaundice can do a simple test by pressing the baby's forehead gently. If the skin looks yellow where the forehead was pressed, it is likely because of jaundice.
- Symptoms of jaundice in adults or older children also include yellowing of the skin and eyes. Often people with jaundice will have dark or reddish urine, as some of the bilirubin is passed through the urine. Loss of appetite, a "furry" tongue and a bitter taste in the mouth are also common symptoms. Pale, foul-smelling feces can be present, and some patients complain of itching skin, nausea and lethargy. Sometimes adults and older children will have jaundice without exhibiting the classic yellowing of the skin, and the condition is diagnosed when they seek treatment for their other symptoms.
- While most babies develop some jaundice symptoms after birth, the Mayo Clinic warns parents to watch for signs of severe jaundice, which is dangerous because it can lead to permanent injury to the eyes, ears or brain. If left untreated, some cases of severe jaundice can lead to death. Signs of severe jaundice in an infant include a further yellowing of the skin that spreads to the arms, legs or abdomen, as well as listlessness, poor weight gain, poor feeding habits or high-pitched crying. Also, any jaundice that does not clear up after three weeks is a cause for concern. Call your baby's doctor if you notice any of these signs.
- Babies with mild jaundice symptoms will be watched carefully for signs of worsening, often with regular blood tests to ensure that bilirubin levels are going down. Babies with severe jaundice are first treated with phototherapy, which involves placing the baby under a special blue light. According to Mayo Clinic, this light changes the structure of the bilirubin molecules so the body can dispose of them. In rare cases, an exchange blood transfusion is necessary. This involves taking a small amount of the baby's blood, diluting the bilirubin levels and transferring the blood back to the baby.
