Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the liver and can be caused by viruses, alcohol, autoimmune diseases, or specific chemicals. One common and distinctive symptom of hepatitis is a change in eye color to yellow, known as jaundice. In this article, we will delve deeper into the relationship between hepatitis and yellowing eyes.
Hepatitis is a condition that can impact the function of the liver, a vital organ in the human body. There are several types of hepatitis, with hepatitis A, B, and C being the most common. The disease is caused by viruses, alcohol, autoimmune diseases, or specific chemicals and can spread through contact with infected body fluids, such as blood or saliva, as well as through the consumption of contaminated water or food.
Symptoms of hepatitis can range from mild to severe, and one characteristic sign is yellowing eyes. Yellowing eyes result from the accumulation of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced from the breakdown of red blood cells in the liver. The liver plays a crucial role in regulating bilirubin in the body. It filters bilirubin from the blood to create a fluid called bile. Bile moves through the bile ducts to reach the digestive tract and is then expelled from the body as waste.
When the liver is damaged or inflamed, its ability to process bilirubin decreases. As a result, bilirubin accumulates in the blood, body tissues, skin, and, notably, the eyes, causing a change in color to yellow. Yellow eyes or jaundice are the result of bilirubin buildup in the white part of the eyes (sclera). Jaundice acts as a crucial clinical indicator for hepatitis, alongside various other symptoms.
The normal serum bilirubin level is less than 1 mg/dL. However, clinical manifestations of jaundice with yellowing of the eyes' peripheral sclera are observed when serum bilirubin levels exceed 3 mg/dL. The sclera has a high affinity for bilirubin due to its high elastin content.
Hepatitis B and C are the main causes of chronic hepatitis, which can lead to significant liver damage. This condition can persist without obvious symptoms for an extended period, emphasizing the importance of early hepatitis detection.
Recognizing the connection between hepatitis and yellowing eyes is a crucial step in understanding the symptoms of this disease. Awareness of these symptoms can prompt individuals to seek medical assistance earlier, increasing the chances of successful recovery. It is also essential to consult with healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
References:
- National Library of Medicine. (2023). Jaundice.
- Mayo Clinic. Hepatitis C.
- (2022). Yellow Eyes.
- World Health Organization. What is Hepatitis A.
