What Causes Yellow Eyes? A Deep Dive into Medical Reasons

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Aug 12, 2024

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Yellow eyes are typically a sign that something is not quite right within the body. Specifically, this symptom occurs when the sclera—or white part of the eye—takes on a yellowish tint, often pointing to jaundice. Jaundice itself isn't a disease but rather a visible sign of underlying health issues, sometimes serving as the first or only clue that there's a problem.

Cholecystitis: A Gallbladder Grievance

Cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder, often results from gallstones blocking bile flow. This condition can escalate quickly, sometimes leading to an abscess or even peritonitis—life-threatening inflammation of the abdominal lining. These serious complications can also manifest as yellowing of the eyes and skin, urging quick medical intervention.

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Hemolytic Anemia: A Double Trouble

As both a cause of pre-hepatic jaundice and a significant medical concern on its own, hemolytic anemia occurs when the destruction of red blood cells outpaces their production. This can starve tissues and organs of oxygen, impairing their function and leading to symptoms like general weakness and even heart murmurs, all initiated by an inherited condition or an acquired problem.

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Yellow Fever: A Dire Warning

Transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, yellow fever is a serious viral infection where jaundice and fever are prominent symptoms. The yellowing of the skin and eyes during the infection’s second phase, accompanied by high fever and organ malfunction, underscores the severity of this disease. Vaccination is available, but without it, the prognosis in later stages can be grim.

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Hepatocellular Jaundice: When the Liver Struggles

In cases of hepatocellular or intrahepatic jaundice, the liver cells themselves are impaired. Diseases like cirrhosis, which scars the liver tissue, can inhibit the liver's ability to function properly and may lead to necrosis—the death of liver cells. This dysfunction hampers the liver's ability to process hemoglobin from broken-down blood cells, resulting in a buildup of bilirubin.

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Newborn Jaundice: Growing Into Health

It’s quite common for newborns to exhibit jaundice, as their livers are often too immature at birth to process bilirubin effectively. This is particularly true for premature babies. While this type of jaundice typically resolves on its own, persistent symptoms like poor feeding and inadequate weight gain may indicate a more serious condition, necessitating pediatric care.

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Pre-Hepatic Jaundice: The Overload Issue

Under normal circumstances, your body routinely breaks down old red blood cells, creating bilirubin, a yellowish waste product that the liver is tasked with processing. Pre-hepatic jaundice occurs when red blood cells break down too quickly for the liver to keep up, leading to an excess of bilirubin in the bloodstream. This rapid breakdown is often caused by conditions like hemolytic anemia, where the body attacks its own red blood cells.

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Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A Sneaky Culprit

Vitamin B12 is essential for the health of nerves and blood cells, primarily obtained from animal products. A deficiency in this vitamin can cause the premature death of young blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to fewer, larger red blood cells and an increase in serum bilirubin. This rare but concerning issue can sometimes lead to jaundice, highlighting the importance of adequate vitamin B12 intake.

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Risks of Anabolic Steroids: More Than Muscle

Anabolic steroids might be prescribed to boost weight gain during recovery from certain illnesses, such as anemia or cancer. Yet, their misuse can lead to severe consequences, including liver damage and tumors. These health issues can manifest visibly as yellowing of the skin and eyes, a stark warning of the dangers associated with steroid abuse.

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Pancreatic Problems: Dual Dangers

Issues with the pancreas, such as pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, can also lead to yellow eyes. Inflammation or tumors can obstruct bile ducts, causing severe hyperbilirubinemia. This is often accompanied by widespread itchiness and other symptoms that generally prompt individuals to seek medical diagnosis and treatment.

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Post-Hepatic Jaundice: A Blockage Problem

Post-hepatic jaundice arises when there's a blockage preventing bilirubin that's been processed by the liver from moving on to the gallbladder. This type of jaundice can be caused by infections or other obstructions in the bile ducts. Symptoms often extend beyond yellow eyes to include diarrhea, itchiness, and unexpected weight loss, signaling serious health issues that need immediate attention.

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