Have your eyes and skin suddenly turned a yellowish color? Are you worried about what it might be? Yellowing of the eyes and skin is a common symptom of jaundice. To learn more about this condition, keep reading the article.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Jaundice (Peela Yarkan) occurs due to the accumulation of bilirubin, often linked to liver dysfunction, bile duct obstruction, or excessive red blood cell breakdown.
- Jaundice is also known as “Peela Yarkan” or “Peelia” in Urdu.
- Jaundice is most common in newborn babies.
- Causes of jaundice include liver conditions, bile duct blockage, hemolytic anemia, and genetic disorders.
- Symptoms of jaundice include yellowing of the eyes and skin, pale stools, itching, weakness, and fatigue.
What is Peela Yarkan (Jaundice)?
Bilirubin is a substance formed due to the breakdown of red blood cells. It is commonly found in the bile. The liver processes excess bilirubin from the blood to be excreted from the body through stools.
When too many red blood cells are broken down, or if the liver is not functioning properly, excess bilirubin accumulates in the body and causes hyperbilirubinemia. This can cause your skin and eyes to turn a yellowish hue. The condition is called jaundice or “Peela Yarkan” in Urdu.
Peela Yarkan is more common in newborns, however, it can affect people of all ages, and is often the result of underlying issues.
Newborns are more likely to develop jaundice because their liver is still developing and has difficulty effectively processing bilirubin, which causes it to accumulate in the blood and result in skin yellowing.
According to expert gastroenterologist Assist. Prof. Dr. Faiza Ghuman, “Jaundice is not a disease itself, but a visible warning sign that something is wrong with the liver, bile ducts, or red blood cells. To prevent complications, it is critical to identify the underlying cause early and begin treatment.”
Causes of Peela Yarkan
The following are the common causes of jaundice:
1. Liver Conditions
Liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver cancer, can impair the liver’s ability to process bilirubin, which would eventually lead to the accumulation and development of jaundice.
2. Bile Duct Obstruction
The primary function of the bile duct is to carry bile from the liver to the intestine to aid digestion. When these bile ducts become clogged due to inflammation, gallstones, or tumours, they are unable to transport and excrete bilirubin properly.
3. Hemolytic Anemia
This condition accelerates the breakdown of red blood cells, leading to an increase in bilirubin production that exceeds the liver’s capacity to process it, resulting in jaundice.
4. Genetic Disorders
Genetic conditions such as Gilbert’s syndrome can disrupt bilirubin processing causing mild cases of jaundice. It typically doesn’t result in serious consequences, but it may cause considerable symptoms nonetheless.
Book a Jaundice Test (Bilirubin Test) in Pakistan
Peela Yarkan Symptoms
Identifying the symptoms of jaundice early is crucial for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. Common symptoms of jaundice are as follows:
1. Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes
The most common and noticeable symptoms of jaundice are the yellowing of the eyes and skin, caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood.
2. Pale Stools
Stools may become pale due to a low amount of bilirubin reaching the intestines. In case you’re experiencing this symptom you should see a gastroenterologist to diagnose the problem.
3. Itching
Jaundice may result in itching due to a high level of bilirubin. Itching is especially common in cholestatic liver disease.
4. Weakness and Fatigue
If jaundice is caused by liver dysfunction, nausea, fatigue, and weakness may occur.
Treatment of Peela Yarkan
Following are the available treatment options for yarkan:
1. Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
Making lifestyle changes can be beneficial in cases of mild jaundice. The changes you can adopt include decreasing alcohol consumption, staying hydrated, and maintaining a balanced diet.
Foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, leafy greens, and nuts, can support liver health. These modifications can support liver function and aid in bilirubin metabolism and alleviate the symptoms of jaundice.
2. Medications
The root cause of jaundice determines whether to prescribe antibiotics, antiviral medicines, or anti-inflammatory medication.
For example, antibiotics can treat infections that may contribute to bile duct inflammation or blockage, while antiviral medication may be necessary for hepatitis-induced jaundice.
3. Light Therapy
Light therapy is used for treating jaundice in infants. During the procedure, the baby’s skin is exposed to a specific type of blue light, which facilitates the body’s breakdown of bilirubin.
4. Surgical Treatment for Bile Duct Obstruction
When jaundice is caused by gallstones or a tumor, endoscopic treatments or surgery may be required to remove a blockage in the bile duct.
5. Liver Transplant
A liver transplant may be considered in cases of advanced liver disease if the liver has sustained significant damage.
Conclusion
The key to treating jaundice is understanding its causes, symptoms, and exploring effective treatment options. If you notice any of the tell-tale symptoms of jaundice, it is advised to consult with a healthcare provider promptly.
Jaundice can sometimes signify a severe underlying health issue, including liver or gallbladder problems. Ignoring the symptoms can worsen your condition and keep serious issues concealed until it’s too late.
Your healthcare provider may recommend liver function tests (LFTs) if underlying liver issues are suspected to cause the jaundice in your case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Is Peela Yarkan Called in English?
Peela Yarkan is also known as “jaundice” in English.
2. Is Peela Yarkan Contagious?
Jaundice is not contagious. The underlying virus, however, can be infectious and spread through contaminated food, water, or blood if it is caused by a viral illness such as Hepatitis A, B, or C.
3. How Long Does Peela Yarkan Typically Last?
The cause and severity of the condition determines how long it takes to recover. While chronic disorders, such as Hepatitis B or liver diseases, may require long-term treatment and monitoring, mild cases caused by infections like Hepatitis A can improve in a few weeks.
