What can cause jaundice in adults?
Ethan Hayes
Updated on June 24, 2026
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Also to know is, is jaundice dangerous for adults?
Jaundice is rare in adults, but you canget it for many reasons. Over time, it can damage the liver andlead to jaundice. Alcohol-related liver disease: If youdrink too much over a long period of time -- typically 8 to 10years -- you could seriously damage your liver.
One may also ask, what is a dangerous bilirubin level in adults? High levels of bilirubin can lead tojaundice. This disorder is easily recognizable due to a yellowingof the skin and eyes. The approximate normal range ofbilirubin in the blood serum is: 1.2 milligrams perdeciliter (mg/dL) for adults. 1 mg/dL for children under 18years of age.
Furthermore, what happens if jaundice is left untreated in adults?
When severe jaundice goes untreated fortoo long, it can cause a condition called kernicterus. Kernicterusis a type of brain damage that can result from high levels ofbilirubin in a baby's blood. Kernicterus also causesproblems with vision and teeth and sometimes can cause intellectualdisabilities.
What does jaundice mean in adults?
Adult Jaundice. Jaundice is a condition inwhich the skin, whites of the eyes and mucous membranes turn yellowbecause of a high level of bilirubin, a yellow-orange bile pigment.Jaundice has many causes, including hepatitis, gallstonesand tumors. In adults, jaundice usually doesnot need to be treated.
Related Question AnswersHow can I recover from jaundice?
Quick tips- Drink at least eight glasses of fluids per day.
- Consider adding milk thistle to your routine.
- Opt for fruits like papaya and mango, which are rich indigestive enzymes.
- Eat at least 2 1/2 cups of veggies and 2 cups of fruit perday.
- Look for high-fiber foods, such as oatmeal, berries, andalmonds.
Can jaundice spread from person to person?
While jaundice itself isn't contagious, it'spossible to transmit the underlying causes of jaundice toanother person. This is the case for many viral hepatitiscauses. If you notice any yellowing of the skin or other symptomsof jaundice, contact your doctor right away.Does jaundice affect eyesight?
These might affect your peripheral vision,but could save your central vision. Yellowed eyes –Also affecting skin color, jaundice can make thewhites of your eyes look yellow. Face, throat, and eye muscles tendto be affected more than other ones throughout thebody.What are the signs of jaundice in adults?
In people with jaundice, the following symptoms are causefor concern:- Severe abdominal pain and tenderness.
- Changes in mental function, such as drowsiness, agitation, orconfusion.
- Blood in stool or tarry black stool.
- Blood in vomit.
- Fever.