Jaundice Jaundice actually is not disease in critical sense but it is a symptom of many diseases.

Jaundice is caused by a build-up of bilirubin in the blood and body tissue. That build-up is often due to conditions affecting the liver, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis or gallstones. Symptoms Yellowish staining of white of eye (sclerae), mucous membrane and skin due to increase in serum bilirubin level above to normal. Stools can be pale in colour and urine dark in colour. Some underlying conditions, which lead to jaundice, may feel like flu, and may also result in fever, chills, stomach pain, itching or weight-loss or be without an explanation such as a diet

Types a) Haemolytic/ Pre-Hepatic Jaundice. b) Hepatocellular/ Hepatic Jaundice. c) Obstructive/ Post-Hepatic Jaundice Haemolytic/ Pre-Hepatic Jaundice: If an infection makes the red blood cells break down sooner than usual, bilirubin levels rise. This is known as pre-hepatic jaundice. Conditions which may trigger this include malaria, sickle cell anaemia, thalassaemia etc. Hepatocellular/ Hepatic Jaundice: This type of jaundice occurs due to damage or dysfunction of liver (Hepatitis) and it may be less able to process bilirubin . The liver damage may be a result of causes that include hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, glandular fever, liver cancer and illegal drug use. Obstructive/ Post Hepatic Jaundice: This type of jaundice is caused by obstruction to biliary movement to hepatic cells during the conditions like, bile stones, tumors or inflammation of ducts.

Cirrhosis is an abnormal liver condition in which there is irreversible scarring of the liver. The main causes are sustained excessive alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis B and C, and fatty liver disease.

People with cirrhosis may develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes and tongue), itching and extreme tiredness.

The liver carries out several essential functions, including the detoxification of harmful substances in the body. It also purifies the blood and manufactures vital nutrients.

If cirrhosis is mild the liver can make repairs and continue functioning properly. If the cirrhosis is advanced and more and more scar tissue forms in the liver, the damage is irreparable. The liver tissue is replaced by fibrous scar tissue as well as regenerative nodules (lumps that appear as a consequence of a process in which damaged tissue is regenerated).

According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary: Cirrhosis is "A chronic liver disease of highly various etiology characterized by inflammation, degeneration, and regeneration in differing proportions; pathologic hallmark is formation of microscopic or macroscopic nodules separated by bands of fibrous tissue; impairment of hepatocellular function and obstruction to portal circulation often lead to jaundice, ascites, and hepatic failure.

symptoms: Blood capillaries become visible on the skin on the upper abdomen Fatigue Insomnia Itchy skin Loss of appetite Loss of bodyweight

Nausea Pain or tenderness in the area where the liver is located Red or blotchy palms Weakness