Yellow eyes will always accompany yellow skin, which is the primary symptom of hepatitis. Medically, this phenomenon is known as jaundice, which is commonly associated with liver-related disorders and indicates the underlying issues that require attention. By understanding the causes, mechanisms, and implications of jaundice in hepatitis will help us to understand the significance of early detection and treatment.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is nothing but the inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections, also it can be caused by toxins, alcohol, certain medications, and autoimmune disease. As all we know, the liver is a crucial organ that performs various vital functions like detoxifying the blood, producing bile from digestion, and metabolizing nutrients. When hepatitis inflames the liver, its function is compromised, resulting in the building up of toxins and waste products that would otherwise be processed and excreted efficiently. In such case, consider getting treatment from Gastro Care Hospital In Coimbatore, to prevent your condition and to get effective treatment.
Bilirubin is a waste product, a yellow compound formed by the breakdown of old or damaged red blood cells. A healthy liver will capture and transform bilirubin, allowing it to be excreted in bile and eliminated through the digestive system. In hepatitis, the liver’s ability to process and remove bilirubin will be disturbed, which will result in the accumulation of the bloodstream and, will turn into jaundice.
How bilirubin causes yellowing of the eyes?
As we mentioned above, in hepatitis, the main culprit behind the causes of eye yellowing is bilirubin. This compound is produced by the breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells and is naturally yellow. Usually, the liver converts bilirubin into a form that will get into the intestine. When hepatitis begins to damage liver cells, this transformation process will slow down or stop at some point, causing bilirubin levels to rise.
When bilirubin circulates in the blood, it will get deposited in the tissues with high-fat content, notably in the white part of the eyes known as sclera. This sclera is more susceptible to staining due to its high lipid composition, which makes it easier for bilirubin to accumulate and cause visible yellowing. These changes are the primary signs of jaundice and can range from mild to severe based on bilirubin levels and the extent of liver damage.
What are the types of hepatitis and jaundice?
There are several types of jaundice, each of which can result in jaundice. Those types include hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, while hepatitis B and C remain the common cause of chronic hepatitis that can result in severe damage and jaundice.
- Hepatitis A and E: These two are the acute forms of hepatitis, caused by contaminated food and water. In these cases, jaundice is temporary, as the liver can recover after the infection is resolved.
- Hepatitis B and C: These forms can become chronic, resulting in long-term inflammation and surging the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Chronic hepatitis will cause severe damage to the liver, leading to prolonged bilirubin buildup and persistent jaundice.
- Hepatitis D: This forms in conjunction with hepatitis B, and it can result in severe liver complications, like jaundice.
What’s the connection between liver function and bilirubin metabolism?
The liver performs several steps to process the bilirubin, transforming it from its unconjugated to conjugated form that will be excreted in bile. When the liver functions properly, it will seclude the unconjugated bilirubin from the blood, converts it, and releases it into the bile ducts. Also, hepatitis interferes with this cycle:
- Severity of liver inflammation: Based on the inflammation level, the liver will get affected and find it difficult to process the bilirubin. In a few cases, like intense liver failure, bilirubin levels will become worsen and result in severe jaundice.
- Liver cirrhosis: Prolonged hepatitis can result in cirrhosis, in which scar tissues will replace healthy liver cells, further liver function will be diminished, and worsening jaundice.
- Immune system responses: In certain types of hepatitis, such as hepatitis B, the immune response itself can cause liver cells to break down, intensify bilirubin production, and potentially lead to jaundice.
What are the symptoms associated with jaundice and hepatitis?
Apart from yellowing of the eye, the other symptoms include:
- Yellowed skin: Along with the eye, jaundice will affect the skin as well, giving it a yellow or even orange tint.
- Discolored urine: When bilirubin is excreted in the urine, extreme levels can lead to dark, tow-colored urine.
- Pale stools: When bile flow gets disturbed, the stools will become lighter.
- Fatigue and weakness: Often liver dysfunction leads to a build-up of toxins, contributing to general fatigue.
- Nausea and appetite loss: Your digestion and appetite will be affected when your liver becomes inflamed, causing nausea and reducing interest in food.
How to prevent jaundice and protect liver health?
Prevention of jaundice in hepatitis usually revolves around liver health, even the hepatitis treatment cost in Coimbatore is also very affordable, and everyone can access the treatment at a very low cost. Further, let’s see some steps to prevent liver damage and protect against hepatitis:
- Vaccination: Now vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B, which reduce the risk of inflammation and complications.
- Safe practices: Never share needles, practice safe sex, and ensure that any tattoos or piercings are done in a sterile environment to reduce the risk of hepatitis.
- Alcohol consumption: Reducing your alcohol intake can prevent liver damage and reduce the risk of complications.
- Healthy diet: Following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins and avoiding processed foods will support liver health.
Bottom line:
In conclusion, we can say that yellowing of the eye in hepatitis is the primary sign of liver strain and signals that bilirubin is accumulating in the body. Understanding how hepatitis interferes with bilirubin processing clarifies why jaundice appears and highlights the importance of liver health. Simply with proper diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle modifications, the jaundice can be managed, supporting both liver function and overall well-being.
