Yellow eyes can be caused by problems in the liver, gallbladder or pancreas such as cirrhosis, gallbladder or pancreatitis, for example, which can cause excessive bilirubin accumulation in the blood
However, yellowish eyes are also very frequent in newborns, known as neonatal jaundice, but in these cases, it is usually because the liver is not yet completely developed, not being a sign of a serious problem.
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Anyway it is always important to consult the general practitioner, gastroenterologist or hepatologist when yellowish eyes appear, to have exams, identify their cause and start the most appropriate treatment.
Main causes
The main causes of yellow eyes are:
1. Hepatitis
Hepatitis is liver inflammation which is usually caused by hepatitis A, B or C virus, but may also occur due to the use of medicines.
This inflammation alters liver function, making it difficult to transport bilirubin to bile ducts, which is then eliminated in the bloodstream, leading to the appearance of skin and yellowish eyes, as well as symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, for example.
What to do: The general practitioner or hepatologist should be found to evaluate the amount of bilirubin in the blood and identify the type of hepatitis virus and thus start the most appropriate treatment that may include rest or use of medications such as interferon, adefovir or entecavir, for example. Learn more about the treatment of hepatitis.
2. Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis can cause yellowish eyes and dark urine, as well as other symptoms such as whitish stools, swelling in the legs, nausea or vomiting, especially when it is at the most advanced stage.
This disease occurs when alcohol, liver fat or hepatitis cause permanent destruction of liver cells, making these cells replaced by fibrous tissue, as if it were a scar, making liver work difficult.
What to do: The treatment is done by the hepatologist and varies according to what caused cirrhosis, and can be done with the suspension of alcohol consumption, diet poor in fat or use of diuretic medications to reduce body swelling. In the most severe stages, the doctor may indicate liver transplantation.
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3. Hemolytic anemia
Hemolytic anemia is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces antibodies that attack and destroy the red blood cells.
When this happens, bilirubin is released into the bloodstream causing yellowish eyes, and excessive tiredness, swollen belly or chest pain, for example.
What to do: A general practitioner or hematologist should be consulting to start treatment that can be done using corticosteroids or immunosuppressive remedies. In the most severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove part of the spleen. Learn more about the treatment of hemolytic anemia.
4.
The gallbladder stone occurs when a small stone blocks the gallbladder ducts, preventing the bilirubin out of the gut, which is then released into the blood, causing yellowish eyes.
In addition, gallbladder can also cause symptoms such as severe pain in the right side of the belly, especially after meals, constant diarrhea, fever, nausea or vomiting.
What to do: The treatment is done by the gastroenterologist or general practitioner, who may indicate the use of medicines, such as the ursodiol, when the stone is small to help undo the stone. In cases where the stone is large and the person has fever and severe abdominal pain, the doctor may indicate surgery to remove the gallbladder. Learn how gallbladder surgery is performed.
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5. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause yellowish eyes, intense pain on the left side of the belly that can radiate to the back, as well as other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or fever.
This inflammation in the pancreas may be caused by excessive alcohol consumption, autoimmune diseases, gallbladder or use of medicines such as liraglutide or semaglutide, for example.
What to do: The treatment is done with hospital hospitalization with serum application in the vein and painkillers to control pain. In more severe cases, gastroenterologist may indicate surgery to remove gallbladder stones or all the gallbladder, for example.
In addition, it is important to make changes in diet avoiding fatty foods, and taking pancreatic enzyme supplements according to the medical recommendation. Learn more about the treatment of pancreatitis.
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6. Liver fat
Liver fat, or liver steatosis, is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, which may be related to excessive alcohol consumption, metabolic syndrome or overweight.
This excess fat can alter liver function, which can make toxins filtration difficult and bilirubin processing. If this conditions are not identified and treated, there may be bilirubin accumulation in the blood, leaving the eyes yellow.
What to do: Liver fat can be treated through lifestyle change, such as weight loss, healthy eating and regular physical activity. In addition, it is important to avoid the consumption of alcohol and, in some cases, the doctor may indicate the use of medications.
7. Neonatal jaundice
Neonatal jaundice is a very common change in the newborn, especially premature, which is characterized by excess bilirubin in the bloodstream, causing yellowish eyes and skin.
This condition occurs because the baby’s liver is not completely mature at birth, making it difficult to eliminate bilirubin.
What to do: Neonatal jaundice does not always need treatment, and it is only indicated that the baby is breastfed or take the bottle every 2 hours to facilitate the elimination of intestinal waste.
However, if jaundice gets worse or if the baby has very yellowish eyes and skin can be indicated by the pediatrician phototherapy, in which the baby should remain all the time in an incubator with direct light on it, being removed only to be fed, to the seedlings and the bath. Learn more about the treatment of neonatal jaundice.
8.
Malaria is an infection caused by the mosquito Anopheles infected with the protozoan of the genre Plasmodium which multiplies in the liver and then reaches the bloodstream, where it invades and breaks the red blood cells.
Due to the destruction of the red blood cells, there is release of bilirubin in the bloodstream, which causes symptoms such as yellowish eyes and headache, as well as fever, sweat, chills, nausea, vomiting or weakness, for example.
What to do: The general practitioner should be consulting to start the treatment of malaria, which should be done using antimallard remedies such as chloroquine, primaquine or mefloquin, for example. Learn more about the treatment of malaria.
9.
The penguage is degeneration of the eye conjunctiva that occurs due to a tissue growth consisting of proteins, fat and calcium, yellow.
In this way, this condition can cause yellowish eye and other symptoms such as dry and irritated eye sensation, swelling, redness, blurred vision and itching in the eye.
What to do: The ophthalmologist should be consulting to confirm the diagnosis and start proper treatment, which can be done using eye eye drops and ointments. In some cases, surgery may also be recommended.
10. Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is a malignant tumor that when it is at an early stage may not have symptoms.
However, as the disease advances, symptoms such as skin and yellowish eyes, abdomen pain, weight loss or belly swelling may emerge, for example.
What to do: Treatment is done by the oncologist, who may indicate surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, target therapy, immunotherapy or liver transplantation. See all treatment options for liver cancer.
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11. Side effect of medicines
Some medications, such as antibiotics, high doses of paracetamol and anabolic steroids, may cause severe liver damage, especially if used at high doses or prolonged time.
What to do: If yellowish eyes and skins are noticed after the start of use of any medication, it is important to inform the doctor responsible for the prescription to evaluate the possibility of adjusting the dosage or exchange of the medication.
Source: www.tuasaude.com