Jaundice - Introduction
Definition:
Jaundice is not a disease but rather a sign that can occur in many different diseases. A condition in which the skin and the white portion of the eyes become yellow, urine is usually dark, and the color of stool becomes lighter than normal.
The yellowing extends to other tissues and body fluids. Jaundice was once called the "morbus regius" (the regal disease).
Jaundice occurs when the liver is not working properly or when a bile duct is blocked. Jaundice , also known as icterus , is caused by abnormally high blood levels of the bile pigment biirubin.
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