Can adults experience jaundice?

Just because you aren’t a newborn doesn’t mean jaundice is out of the question.  

Jaundice occurs when there is too much bilirubin buildup in your body, a yellow substance that is formed from the breakdown of red blood cells. It typically manifests by tinting your skin, mucous membranes or eyes a yellow color 

The buildup can occur due to excess dying red blood cells entering the liver, an overloaded or damaged liver, or bilirubin not properly moving into the digestive tract.  

“Typically, patients think about jaundice in the setting of newborn babies,” says Mara Stasik, a transplant hepatology physician assistant at Aurora Health Care. “While not as commonly known, adults can develop jaundice if they have issues with their liver, gallbladder or blood disorders.” 

There are three main types of jaundice, which can be determined by a blood test: 

• Pre-hepatic jaundice (hemolytic jaundice): An excessive breakdown of red blood cells, leading to an increase in bilirubin production called hemolysis.   
• Hepatocellular jaundice: Occurs when your liver is damaged or unable to properly process bilirubin.
• Post-hepatic jaundice (obstructive jaundice): A blockage in the bile ducts prevents bilirubin from being excreted from the liver to the intestines.  

Jaundice in adults is often a symptom of a larger issue, such as: 

• Hepatitis 
• Chronic liver disease 
• Gallstones 
• Blood disorders 
• Pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer 
• Sickle cell disease 
• Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, a liver disorder that develops during pregnancy 

Symptoms can vary outside of the typical yellowing of the skin or eyes but can include fever, stomach pain, dark urine, itchy skin, clay-colored stools or weight loss. 

The treatment of jaundice depends on the cause and symptoms. Sometimes jaundice will resolve itself as the liver heals. In other instances, like with blockages or obstructions, your health care provider may suggest surgery. They will first start with a physical exam and blood test to check your bilirubin levels before moving onto other tests to determine the severity of your condition. 

“Jaundice symptoms can change depending on the cause and how quickly the condition is progressing,” says Stasik. “If you notice any out-of-the-ordinary symptoms along with yellowing of your eyes or skin, see a doctor for urgent evaluation.” 

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