What causes jaundice in adults?
Jaundice is a common clinical symptom characterized by yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera (whites of the eyes), primarily due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. There are various causes of jaundice in adults, which may be related to liver disease, bile duct obstruction, blood disease, etc. The following are hot topics and content that have been hotly discussed on the Internet in the past 10 days. Combined with medical knowledge, we will provide you with a detailed analysis of the causes of jaundice in adults.
1. Hot Topics and Hot Content
| hot topics | Hot content |
|---|---|
| liver health | There has been an increase in discussion recently about fatty liver disease and hepatitis, especially alcoholic liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. |
| Biliary tract disease | Cases of jaundice caused by bile duct problems such as gallstones and cholecystitis have attracted attention. |
| blood disorders | Jaundice caused by blood diseases such as hemolytic anemia has become a hot topic of discussion. |
| drug-induced liver injury | There are increasing reports of jaundice caused by some drugs (such as antibiotics and anti-tuberculosis drugs). |
| Infectious diseases | Recently, discussions about viral hepatitis (such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C) have become more popular. |
2. Main causes of jaundice in adults
The causes of jaundice in adults are complex and can usually be divided into three categories: prehepatic, hepatic and posthepatic. Here are the specific reasons:
| Classification | specific reasons | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Prehepatic jaundice | hemolytic anemia | Excessive destruction of red blood cells leads to elevated indirect bilirubin. |
| hepatic jaundice | viral hepatitis | Viral infections such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C cause liver cell damage. |
| alcoholic liver disease | Long-term alcohol consumption causes damage to liver function. | |
| drug-induced liver injury | Direct damage to the liver from certain drugs or poisons. | |
| Cirrhosis | Advanced liver disease leads to a decline in liver metabolic function. | |
| posthepatic jaundice | gallstones | Blockage of the bile ducts results in obstruction of bile excretion. |
| Cholangitis | Biliary tract infection causes inflammation and obstruction. | |
| pancreatic cancer | The tumor compresses the common bile duct causing cholestasis. |
3. How to diagnose jaundice in adults?
The diagnosis of jaundice requires a combination of clinical manifestations and laboratory tests. The following is the general diagnostic process:
| steps | Check items | meaning |
|---|---|---|
| preliminary inspection | Blood routine, liver function | Assess bilirubin levels and liver function status. |
| Imaging examination | B-ultrasound, CT, MRI | Observe the liver, bile duct, and pancreas for lesions. |
| special inspection | Hepatitis virus detection, cholangiography | Identify the cause, such as viral hepatitis or biliary obstruction. |
4. Treatment and prevention of jaundice in adults
The treatment of jaundice requires a personalized plan based on the cause. The following are common treatment and preventive measures:
| Cause | Treatment | Precautions |
|---|---|---|
| viral hepatitis | Antiviral treatment, hepatoprotective drugs | Get vaccinated and avoid contact with infectious agents. |
| gallstones | Surgery for stone removal and bile duct stent | Eat a low-fat diet and eat regularly. |
| alcoholic liver disease | Alcohol abstinence, nutritional support | Limit alcohol consumption and eat a balanced diet. |
5. Summary
The causes of jaundice in adults vary and may be related to liver, biliary or blood disorders. Among recent hot topics, there has been much discussion about liver health, biliary tract disease, and drug-induced liver injury. Seeking medical treatment promptly and identifying the cause is key. With scientific diagnosis and treatment, most patients with jaundice can achieve a good prognosis.
If you or someone around you develops symptoms of jaundice, it is recommended to seek medical treatment as soon as possible to avoid delaying the condition.
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