Definition: A condition that is identified by yellow color of the skin, whites of the eyes and mucous membranes. Body fluids including urine, tears and sweat also become deeply yellow. The yellow color is due to deposits of bile pigments that result fom excess bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia). Causes of jaundice include, obstruction of bile passageways (gallstones or cancerous tumors).
Jaundice is a symptom and the cause needs to be detemined in order to untertake the correct treatment. Diagnostic tests that may be indicated when jaundice occurs may include, blood tests to look at liver function, imaging such as abdominal ultrasound, CT scans or x-rays. Exploratory surgery of the abdomen may be indicated in some cases to diagnose the cause of jaundice.
Pronunciation: jawn'dis
Also Known As: yellow jaundice
Common Misspellings: jandice
Examples: Mr. Smith suffering from abdominal pain also noticed that his eyes were yellow and tha his urine was very dark yellow when he went to the emergency room.