Jaundice and Bilirubin Levels: What Do They Mean?

What Is Bilirubin: How it Causes Jaundice?

Bilirubin is a yellowish substance produced during the breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs). Albumin (a simple protein) transports bilirubin to your liver, where liver cells absorb it. Once in the liver, bilirubin is converted into a conjugated (water-soluble) form, allowing your body to expel it. 

However, an excess accumulation of bilirubin in your bloodstream is one of the jaundice causes, making your skin, eyes, and mucous membranes yellowish.

Bilirubin Test: A Quick Overview

A bilirubin test aids in measuring the amount of bilirubin in your blood and is often used to detect jaundice. Other than that, it’s also used to figure out the cause of medical conditions like anaemia, blockages in the bile ducts, or liver disease. It usually involves drawing the patient’s blood and analysing the unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin levels. However, urine can also be used to measure an individual’s jaundice and bilirubin levels.

Healthcare professionals often prescribe a bilirubin test for newborns, as jaundice is frequent in infants.

What Do the Bilirubin Results Mean?

A bilirubin test results show the total amount of bilirubin in your body and can also help determine two types of bilirubin levels:

• Unconjugated (indirect) bilirubin: This type of bilirubin hasn’t yet been processed by your liver. If levels of unconjugated bilirubin are high, it might indicate that your liver is not functioning properly or there is an increased breakdown of red blood cells.

• Conjugated (direct) bilirubin: This type of bilirubin has been processed by your liver and is ready to be excreted in bile. If levels of conjugated bilirubin are high, it usually points to liver diseases, bile duct obstructions, or other conditions affecting bile flow.

Normal Bilirubin Levels

High Bilirubin Levels

Wondering what does high bilirubin mean? High bilirubin levels, particularly if they exceed 2.0 mg/dL, can result in jaundice in adults. And newborns might need treatment when their bilirubin levels are higher than 15 mg/dl.

Low Bilirubin Levels

It’s less common to have low bilirubin levels and typically not a cause for concern.

What Causes High Jaundice and Bilirubin Levels?

Having elevated bilirubin levels can indicate many health ailments, and one of them is jaundice. So, what are the causes of high bilirubin levels? Let’s dive to learn:

• Liver conditions: Diseases like autoimmune hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer can affect your liver function and its ability to process bilirubin, causing bilirubin to build up in your blood.

• Bile duct problems: Gallstones, tumours, or other obstructions in your bile ducts can prevent bilirubin from being excreted from your body, leading to its buildup in the bloodstream.

• Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: A temporary condition during the pregnancy’s last trimester, it can affect your liver, slowing down or stopping bile drainage. It further makes it difficult for your liver to process bilirubin from your bloodstream, resulting in elevated bilirubin levels and jaundice risk.

• Genetic disorders: Conditions like Gilbert's syndrome can cause your liver not to process bilirubin appropriately. Hence, it causes the accumulation of bilirubin, often leading to mild jaundice.

• Hemolytic anaemia: This condition happens when RBCs break down too quickly in your blood. Some people genetically are diagnosed with hemolytic anaemia, and others might contract it due to an enlarged spleen or infection.

Are High Bilirubin Levels in Newborns Concerning?

Whether high bilirubin levels in your newborn are a cause of concern depends on the cause, your infant’s age, and whether he is born prematurely. Usually, medical professionals try to determine whether the underlying cause is pathologic or non-pathologic. The cause of jaundice in your baby might be pathologic if:

• Your baby is diagnosed with jaundice on the first day of his life

• Bilirubin levels rise by 0.2 mg/dl per hour or 5 mg/dl or more per day or more

• Jaundice is present for more than two to three weeks

Usually, most jaundice in infants is not severe and thus, concerning as the symptoms resolve naturally.

Symptoms of High Jaundice and Bilirubin Levels

When bilirubin levels rise significantly, they can cause jaundice. How can you identify whether you have high bilirubin levels and, thus, are vulnerable to jaundice? You can look for the following symptoms:

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes

• Chills

• Dark urine

• Fever

• Chest pain

• Fatigue

• Lightheadedness

• Itching

• Nausea

• Pale stools

• Vomiting

What Causes Low Jaundice and Bilirubin Levels?

Low bilirubin levels are generally not concerning but can occur due to the following reasons:

• Overhydration: Excess fluid intake can dilute your bilirubin levels.

• Certain Medications: Drugs like phenobarbital, antibiotics, sleeping pills, seizure medications, and birth control pills can reduce your bilirubin levels.

• Iron Deficiency: A lack of iron is another cause of low jaundice and bilirubin levels, resulting in fewer red blood cells being broken down.

All-in-All

Jaundice and bilirubin levels are closely linked, with bilirubin being a critical indicator of your liver and overall body health. Do you experience the symptoms of high bilirubin levels or jaundice? If so, go for a bilirubin test at Medanta. Doctors here will guide you on appropriate treatment depending on the underlying cause.