Question
The skin and eyes have been yellowish for a long time, and the complexion is pale. Liver function tests and hepatitis B screenings are done regularly, with normal results. In the past half month, there has been swelling in the right lower abdomen, while the left side is normal, and there is difficulty in defecation. Are these symptoms related?
Answer
Jaundice, commonly known as yellow disease, is a condition where the skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eyes turn yellow due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Many liver diseases, gallbladder diseases, and blood diseases can lead to jaundice. Symptoms include yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes; in severe cases, urine, sputum, tears, and sweat may also turn yellow, while saliva does not. Other symptoms may include decreased appetite, nausea, aversion to greasy foods, fatigue, tea-colored urine, pain in the liver area, fever, and in some severe hepatitis cases, abdominal swelling, oliguria (reduced urine output), and a tendency to bleed.