Differences Between Jaundice and Icterus

Icterus is also known as jaundice or yellow jaundice. It refers to an excessive accumulation of a yellow pigment in the blood and tissues. When icterus has been present for any length of time, it will discolor many tissues and will become visible as jaundice on most body surfaces, including the skin.

1. Why is jaundice called icterus?
2. What does Icteric mean?
3. How can you tell the difference between jaundice?
4. What is the difference between jaundice and hepatitis?
5. What should Mother eat when baby has jaundice?
6. What is the most common cause of jaundice?
7. What causes Icteric?
8. What causes Icteric serum?
9. Where do we check for icterus?
10. What is the sign of jaundice recovery?
11. Why jaundice happens again and again?
12. How long can you survive with jaundice?

Why is jaundice called icterus?

Etymology. Jaundice comes from the French jaune, meaning yellow, jaunisse meaning "yellow disease". The medical term for it is icterus from the Greek word ikteros.

What does Icteric mean?

Medical Definition of icteric

: of, relating to, or affected with jaundice.

How can you tell the difference between jaundice?

There are three main types of jaundice: pre-hepatic, hepatocellular, and post-hepatic. In pre-hepatic jaundice, there is excessive red cell breakdown which overwhelms the liver's ability to conjugate bilirubin. This causes an unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia.

What is the difference between jaundice and hepatitis?

Jaundice and hepatitis: what's the difference? Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes an inflammation (swelling) of the liver tissue. Jaundice, on the other hand, is caused due to high levels of bilirubin pigment in the liver, which in turn results in a yellow colouration of the skin.

What should Mother eat when baby has jaundice?

These feedings also act as natural signals or triggers in the mother's body to make more milk. Avoid supplements unless medically indicated. If supplements are needed, a mother's expressed milk is the first choice, followed by donor milk, then infant formula. Water and glucose water should not be given.

What is the most common cause of jaundice?

Excess bilirubin (hyperbilirubinemia) is the main cause of jaundice. Bilirubin, which is responsible for the yellow color of jaundice, is a normal part of the pigment released from the breakdown of "used" red blood cells.

What causes Icteric?

What types of liver disease cause icterus? The most common causes of liver disease include viral or bacterial infections, ingestion of toxic plants or chemicals, certain drugs and medications, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and certain breed-specific liver diseases.

What causes Icteric serum?

Icteric serum is caused by the presence of excess bilirubin in the blood stream. Icteric serum is caused by the presence of excess bilirubin in the blood stream as a result of increased production (pre-hepatic) or inappropriate excretion (hepatic and post-hepatic).

Where do we check for icterus?

The jaundiced patient with elevated globulins often has chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis. From a diagnostic standpoint, sonography of the liver, biliary tree, and pancreas should be the first specific imaging screening test. If biliary dilation is present, the patient should have either PTC or ERCP.

What is the sign of jaundice recovery?

Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, a yellow tinge on your skin and eyes or vomiting where the body becomes very weak and prone to other diseases. During this time, the patient is advised to take complete bed rest and also for the first few days you need to follow a liquid diet.

Why jaundice happens again and again?

Jaundice happens when there's too much bilirubin, a yellow-orange substance, in your blood. It's found in your red blood cells. When those cells die, the liver filters it from the bloodstream. But if something's wrong and your liver can't keep up, bilirubin builds up and can cause your skin to look yellow.

How long can you survive with jaundice?

Median overall survival after onset of jaundice was 1.5 months and it was similar between groups, but improved to 9.6 months in patients who were able to receive further chemotherapy.