Icteric

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & 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
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD