Jaundice in adults
If you have jaundice and sudden symptoms such as fever, confusion and intense abdominal pain, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
Key facts
- Jaundice is when your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow.
- It’s caused by the build-up of a substance called bilirubin in your blood.
- There are many causes of jaundice.
- It’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible if you think you might have jaundice.
What is jaundice?
Jaundice is when your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow. It is caused by the build-up of a substance called bilirubin in your blood.
In adults and children, jaundice is not a disease in itself, but is a sign of an underlying health problem.
Jaundice in newborn babies is common, and usually harmless. For information on jaundice in babies, visit the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website.
What symptoms are related to jaundice?
If you have jaundice and sudden symptoms such as fever, confusion and intense abdominal pain, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
Jaundice causes your skin and the whites of your eyes to appear yellow. Other symptoms can also occur with jaundice. These include:
- itching
- dark urine (wee)
- pale stools (poo)
Depending on the cause of the jaundice, you may also have other symptoms, such as:
- abdominal (tummy) pain
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- nausea and vomiting
- fever
- tiredness
- confusion
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes jaundice?
Jaundice is caused by the build-up of a substance called bilirubin in your blood. Bilirubin is a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells.
Bilirubin is taken up and processed by your liver. It is then:
- used to make bile (stored in your gallbladder)
- excreted (removed) from your body in your urine (wee) and faeces (poo)
Jaundice can happen if there is:
- an increase in the breakdown of red blood cells (prehepatic causes)
- a problem with how your liver processes bilirubin (hepatocellular, or liver causes)
- a blockage that stops processed bilirubin from leaving your body (post-hepatic causes)
Prehepatic causes of jaundice
Some conditions that can cause an increase in the breakdown of red blood cells (haemolysis) are:
- G6PD deficiency
- haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)
- lymphoma or leukaemia
- some autoimmune conditions
- some medicines
- certain infections
- some hereditary (inherited) conditions, such as Gilbert's syndrome
Hepatocellular (liver) causes of jaundice
Jaundice can be a symptom of liver disease. This happens when damaged liver cells can’t process bilirubin. The bilirubin goes into your bloodstream, causing jaundice.
It can be caused by:
- viral infections, such as hepatitis A, B, C, D or E, HIV and other infections
- cirrhosis of your liver
- drinking a lot of alcohol
- an autoimmune disease
- some medicines
- cancer that affects the liver
- genetic conditions, such as Wilson’s disease, haemochromatosis or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Post-hepatic causes of jaundice
Jaundice can also result from obstruction of bile drainage from your liver. Causes can include:
- gallstones
- some cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, gallbladder cancer or lymphoma
- some infections
- scarring from previous surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Jaundice can sometimes happen during pregnancy. Jaundice during pregnancy can be due to serious pregnancy complications, so you should see your doctor straight away.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
How is the cause of jaundice diagnosed?
Your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms. They will want to know:
- how long you have had symptoms
- how suddenly they came on
- whether your symptoms come and go
Your doctor may ask about your lifestyle and medical history. They will also check:
- what medicines you are taking (including herbal medicines or dietary supplements)
- how much alcohol you drink
- what vaccinations you have had (including hepatitis)
- if you have recently travelled overseas
- your family medical history
Your doctor will also examine you, including your abdomen (tummy).
Your doctor may order some tests. These may include:
- blood tests
- urine tests
- scans of your abdomen, such as an ultrasound, MRI scan or CT scan
These tests can check your level of bilirubin and check the health of your liver.
Depending on your test results, your doctor may refer you to a specialist doctor for more tests and treatment.
When should I see my doctor?
If you have jaundice, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
When to seek urgent care
See your doctor or midwife straight away if you develop jaundice during pregnancy.
If you have jaundice and sudden symptoms such as fever, confusion and intense abdominal pain, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How is jaundice treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of jaundice.
Talk with your doctor about the treatment options for your situation.
Can jaundice be prevented?
There is no single way to prevent jaundice, as it can be caused by many different conditions.
Complications of jaundice
If the cause of your jaundice stays untreated, you may experience complications. These can vary depending on your underlying condition.
Resources and support
Call the Liver Foundation's free support line on 1800 841 118 to speak to a liver nurse.
If you need to know more about jaundice, or to get advice on what to do next, talk to your doctor or call healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: June 2024
