Patient's question:
A good friend's child, when they recently came, suddenly developed clinical symptoms such as decreased appetite, upper abdominal fullness, nausea and vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and skin itching. After visiting the nearby hospital outpatient department, they were told they had jaundice. What should be done?Doctor's answer:
Jaundice is a common symptom and sign. Its occurrence is mainly due to the disorder of bilirubin metabolism, leading to an increase in serum bilirubin concentration, which results in the clinical manifestations of tissues such as sclera, mucous membranes, and skin being stained yellow. When the total bilirubin concentration in the serum exceeds 34.20, jaundice can be clinically observed, known as manifest jaundice. Jaundice is caused by the production of excessive bilirubin, which is primarily due to hemolytic anemia. Additionally, liver cells may decrease due to functional impairment or liver damage. Hepatocellular jaundice may occur. Furthermore, liver cell damage combined with bilirubin leakage can also lead to jaundice. Additionally, intrahepatic cholestasis and biliary obstruction can both cause jaundice.