Hepatitis and jaundice are often linked because both involve the liver, a vital organ in the body responsible for filtering toxins and producing bile. When the liver is affected by hepatitis, it can lead to jaundice. Let’s explore how hepatitis causes jaundice and why it’s essential to protect your liver health.
What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. It can occur due to viruses (like hepatitis A, B, or C), alcohol misuse, or certain medications. The inflammation disrupts the liver’s ability to function correctly, leading to complications such as jaundice.
What Is Jaundice?
Jaundice is a condition where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. This happens because of a build-up of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. A healthy liver processes bilirubin and eliminates it from the body. However, when the liver isn’t functioning properly, bilirubin accumulates, causing jaundice.
Can Hepatitis Cause Jaundice?
Yes, hepatitis can cause jaundice. When the liver is inflamed, it struggles to filter and excrete bilirubin effectively. This leads to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood, resulting in the yellowing of the skin and eyes. Hepatitis and jaundice often occur together, especially in more severe or advanced cases of liver inflammation.
Types of Jaundice: Pre-Hepatic, Hepatic, and Post-Hepatic
To understand how hepatitis causes jaundice, it’s helpful to look at the three types of jaundice:
Pre-Hepatic Jaundice
This occurs before the liver is affected. It’s often caused by excessive breakdown of red blood cells, leading to an overflow of bilirubin. Although unrelated to hepatitis, it highlights how jaundice can arise from different causes.
Hepatic Jaundice
Hepatic jaundice happens when the liver itself is damaged, as seen in hepatitis. Inflammation from hepatitis interferes with the liver’s ability to process bilirubin, causing its levels to rise in the blood. This is one of the primary causes of hepatic jaundice, making it a common symptom in hepatitis patients.
Post-Hepatic Jaundice
This occurs when the bile ducts are blocked, preventing bilirubin from leaving the liver. While this isn’t directly caused by hepatitis, it may happen due to complications like scarring from long-term liver damage.
Why Is It Important to Address Hepatitis Early?
Ignoring hepatitis can lead to chronic liver damage, increasing the risk of severe jaundice and other liver diseases. Early detection and vaccination can prevent hepatitis from progressing. By protecting yourself against hepatitis, you can reduce the chances of developing jaundice and other liver-related problems.
Protect Your Liver: Book Your Hepatitis Vaccination Today!
Your liver plays a vital role in keeping your body healthy, and protecting it from diseases like hepatitis is essential. Hepatitis can cause serious complications, including jaundice, so don’t wait to take action.
Vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent hepatitis and maintain liver health. At Touchwood Pharmacy, we offer trusted hepatitis vaccinations to safeguard your well-being. Book your appointment today and give your liver the care it deserves. Stay healthy, stay protected!
