Jaundice in adults

Jaundice happens when a substance called bilirubin builds up in your blood. Bilirubin is a waste product made when red blood cells break down.

Bilirubin is processed by your liver and removed from your body in bile, which is stored in your gallbladder. It then leaves your body in 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 increased breakdown of red blood cells (haemolysis) are:

• G6PD deficiency — genetic condition that can cause red blood cells to break down
• haemolytic anaemia — a condition where red blood cells break down too quickly
• some medicines
• reaction to blood transfusions
• some hereditary (inherited) conditions, such as Gilbert's syndrome and sickle cell disease

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.

Some causes include:

• viral infections, such as hepatitis A, B, C, D or E, and other infections
• cirrhosis of the liver and cancer that affects the liver
• some autoimmune conditions — where the immune system attacks the body by mistake
• liver damage caused by drinking a lot of alcohol
• some medicines
• genetic conditions, such as Wilson's disease, haemochromatosis or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
• Budd-Chiari syndrome — a rare condition caused by blocked veins in the liver 

Post-hepatic causes of jaundice

Jaundice can also happen when bile cannot flow properly from your liver. Causes can include:

• viral hepatitis 
• cirrhosis of the liver
• gallstones
• some cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, gallbladder cancer or lymphoma
• some infections
• scarring and narrowing of the bile ducts 

Jaundice can sometimes happen during pregnancy. Jaundice during pregnancy can be due to serious pregnancy complications, so you should see your doctor straight away.

Treatment depends on the cause of jaundice.

Some treatment options include:

• antibiotics or antiviral medicines
• surgery or endoscopy to treat a blockage
• steroids or other medicines to treat an autoimmune cause
• medicines to treat symptoms such as itching, nausea and vomiting
• pain management 

Ask your doctor which treatment options would best suit you.

There is no single way to prevent jaundice, as it can be caused by many different conditions.

Jaundice is often caused by liver disease. Here are some ways to prevent or slow down liver disease:

• Choose healthy eating options and maintain a healthy weight.
• Keep physically active.
• Reduce or stop drinking alcohol.
• Use medicines only as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you smoke or vape, seek help to quit.
• Ask your doctor about vaccinations recommended for your age and circumstances. 

Hepatitis can also cause jaundice. Some ways to help prevent hepatitis infections include:

• being up to date with your hepatitis vaccinations
• practising safe sex
• never sharing needles or syringes 
• only getting tattoos and piercings from a safe and clean provider 

If the cause of your jaundice is not treated, you may experience complications. These can vary depending on your underlying condition.

Jaundice may be a symptom of liver problems, which can lead to complications such as:

• cirrhosis 
• liver failure
• hepatic encephalopathy (brain problems caused by liver disease)
• bleeding problems
• liver cancer

Visit the Liver Foundation's (Opens in new tab) website for information about liver failure and many other conditions that affect the liver. Call their free support line on 1800 841 118 to speak to a liver nurse.

Watch this video (Opens in new tab) called Jaundice in Advanced Liver Disease, from Liver Foundation (Opens in new tab).

For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug (Opens in new tab) hotline on 1800 250 015. It will automatically direct you to the Alcohol and Drug Information Service in your state or territory.

The National Hepatitis Infoline (Opens in new tab) provides information and support services for people living with or at risk of hepatitis, their friends and families. Call 1800 HEP ABC (1800 437 222).

Languages other than English

LiverWELL has a range of fact sheets and resources (Opens in new tab) in languages other than English. 

Hepatitis Australia (Opens in new tab) has information about Hepatitis in many languages other than English. 

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

LiverWELL's Healthy Living Guide for the Aboriginal Community (Opens in new tab) has information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples about how to keep your liver healthy.