ETYM Old Eng. jaunis, French jaunisse, from jaune yellow, orig. jalne, from Latin galbinus yellowish, from galbus yellow.
Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by an accumulation of bile pigment (bilirubin) in the blood; can be a symptom of gallstones or liver infection or anemia; SYN. icterus.
Yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by an excess of bile pigment in the bloodstream. Mild jaundice is common in newborns, but a serious form occurs in rhesus disease (see rhesus factor).
Bile pigment is normally produced by the liver from the breakdown of red blood cells, then excreted into the intestines. A buildup in the blood is due to abnormal destruction of red cells (as in some cases of anemia), impaired liver function (as in hepatitis), or blockage in the excretory channels (as in gallstones or cirrhosis). The jaundice gradually recedes following treatment of the underlying cause. + prikaži više