# What is jaundice (icterus) and what are its causes? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-huwa-alyaraqan-wasbabuh Language: en Category: pediatrics Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.229Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.229Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/ma-huwa-alyaraqan-wasbabuh Jaundice, also known as icterus, is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. This yellowing occurs as a result of the accumulation of a yellow substance called bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow chemical produced by the breakdown of hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. When old red blood cells break down, the body builds new cells to replace them, and the old cells are processed by the liver. If the liver cannot process these cells effectively, bilirubin accumulates in the body, leading to the yellow appearance of the skin [\[1\]](). ## Causes of Jaundice in Newborns Jaundice is very common in many healthy newborns during the first week of life and usually resolves on its own [\[1\]](). This type of physiological jaundice occurs due to several factors that make newborns more susceptible to bilirubin accumulation compared to adults [\[3\]](): - **Higher rate of bilirubin production:** Newborns have red blood cells with a shorter lifespan and higher concentration, leading to faster breakdown and greater production of bilirubin [\[3\]](). - **Immature liver function:** A newborn's liver is not fully mature, which slows the metabolism of bilirubin [\[3\]](). - **Delayed meconium passage:** Delayed passage of meconium (the infant's first stool) may lead to increased reabsorption of bilirubin in the intestines [\[3\]](). - **Suboptimal intake jaundice:** This often occurs in the first week of life when breastfeeding is becoming established. Infants may not receive enough milk, leading to high bilirubin levels due to increased intestinal reabsorption and delayed meconium passage. In most cases, breastfeeding can and should continue, and frequent feedings may help reduce the risk of jaundice [\[3\]](). - **Breast milk jaundice:** This often appears in the second week of life or later and may persist for several weeks. The exact cause is unknown, but some believe that certain substances in breast milk may hinder the infant's liver's ability to process bilirubin [\[3\]](). ## Causes of Jaundice in Adults Jaundice can occur at any age and may be a sign of an underlying health problem [\[1\]](). Key causes of jaundice in adults include: - **Blood disorders:** Such as certain hereditary blood diseases that lead to excessive breakdown of red blood cells [\[1\]](). - **Liver diseases:** Such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, which affect the liver's ability to process bilirubin [\[1\]](). - **Bile duct obstruction:** Blockage of the ducts that carry bile from the liver to the intestines, due to gallstones or tumors, can lead to bilirubin buildup [\[2\]](). - **Infections:** Certain types of infections can affect liver function and cause jaundice [\[1\]](). - **Medications:** Some medications may cause jaundice as a side effect [\[1\]](). - **Genetic syndromes:** Such as Gilbert's syndrome or Crigler-Najjar syndrome, which affect how the body processes bilirubin [\[1\]](). ## Diagnosing Jaundice To diagnose jaundice and determine its cause, a doctor may order several tests: - **Blood bilirubin test:** This test measures the level of bilirubin in the blood [\[1\]](). - **Liver function tests:** These tests help assess the health of the liver and its ability to function correctly [\[1\]](). - **Urine bilirubin test:** Bilirubin is not usually found in urine. High levels may indicate liver or gallbladder problems, such as bile duct diseases, cirrhosis, or tumors [\[2\]](). ## When Should You See a Doctor? While physiological jaundice in newborns is often harmless and clears up on its own, jaundice at any age may be a sign of a health problem that requires medical evaluation [\[1\]](). If you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, extreme fatigue, abdominal pain, pale stools, or dark urine, you should see a doctor to evaluate the condition and determine the cause. In some rare cases, jaundice in infants may require urgent medical intervention, such as phototherapy or even blood exchange in very severe cases [\[3\]](). For more information about jaundice, including when it is dangerous, you can visit [Jaundice: Causes, Diagnosis, and When It Is Dangerous (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Jaundice]() - [Jaundice and Breastfeeding]() - [Bilirubin - urine]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-huwa-alyaraqan-wasbabuh#answer