The Evidence on Jaundice, Without the Hype
In adults it always indicates something significant, and the pattern of associated symptoms narrows the cause quickly.
Key takeaways
- Cause: raised bilirubin from liver disease, bile duct obstruction or haemolysis
- Dark urine with pale stools: suggests obstruction
- Most useful single change: Seek assessment promptly; adult jaundice is never routine.
- Commonest mistake: Waiting to see whether it clears.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
What it is
Yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by raised bilirubin. It sits within Liver Health. What follows are the published numbers, not the ones that get passed around.
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Cause | raised bilirubin from liver disease, bile duct obstruction or haemolysis |
| Dark urine with pale stools | suggests obstruction |
| Painless jaundice with weight loss | needs urgent assessment for cancer |
| Gilbert's syndrome | a common benign cause of mild intermittent jaundice |
What helps
These are the changes with the clearest evidence behind them. Start wherever it is easiest to start.
- Seek assessment promptly; adult jaundice is never routine
- Note stool and urine colour, which help identify the cause
- List all medicines, supplements and recent travel
- Mention alcohol intake honestly
What to avoid
A few of these are widely believed. That is precisely why they are here.
- Waiting to see whether it clears
- Paracetamol above recommended doses
- Assuming it is harmless because you feel well
Where to go next
- Jaundice at a Glance
- What Jaundice Is, and Why It Matters
- Jaundice — the reference entry
- Gallstones: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise
- Paracetamol Safety: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise
When to speak to a doctor
Seek urgent medical assessment for any jaundice in an adult. Call 999 for jaundice with confusion, drowsiness, vomiting blood, black tarry stools, or severe abdominal pain with fever. Painless jaundice with weight loss requires urgent referral. Newborn jaundice within the first 24 hours of life is always urgent.
Where this comes from
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.
Spotted something wrong? Report an error on this page. We correct on the page and say what changed.
