Icteric

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Icteric refers to a condition characterized by jaundice, a yellowish or greenish pigmentation of the skin and whites of the eyes due to high bilirubin levels. It is often associated with liver disease such as hepatitis or gallstones.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Icteric is primarily caused by an increase in the blood's bilirubin level. This can occur due to various reasons, including:

  • Liver disease: Conditions such as hepatitis or cirrhosis can impair the liver's ability to process and eliminate bilirubin.
  • Gallstones: These can block the bile ducts, preventing bilirubin from leaving the body.
  • Hemolytic anemia: This condition involves rapid destruction of red blood cells, leading to an increase in bilirubin production.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The primary symptom of icteric is the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Other symptoms can include:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of icteric typically involves a physical examination and blood tests to measure bilirubin levels. Other tests may include:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for icteric focuses on addressing the underlying cause. This may involve:

  • Medications to treat liver disease
  • Surgery to remove gallstones
  • Blood transfusions for hemolytic anemia

See also[edit | edit source]

Icteric Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD