Jaundice in adults
Yellow eyes are a sign — finding the cause matters

Jaundice is yellowing of the eyes and skin caused by a build-up of bilirubin, a yellow pigment. It is a sign, not a disease. In adults it can be caused by viral hepatitis, alcohol, medicines, gallstones blocking the bile duct or, less often, blood disorders or tumours. Treatment depends on the cause.

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About jaundice

What causes jaundice?

Bilirubin forms when red blood cells break down. The liver processes it and passes it into bile, which drains into the intestine. Jaundice appears when too much bilirubin is made, the liver cannot process it, or bile flow is blocked. Jaundice in newborn babies is different and is covered separately.

  • Liver causes: hepatitis A, B or E, alcohol, some medicines
  • Blockage: gallstones in the bile duct, tumours
  • Blood causes: breakdown of red cells (haemolysis)
  • Hepatitis A and E spread through contaminated food and water
  • Do not rely on home remedies alone

Test

Bilirubin and liver tests.

Scan

Ultrasound of liver and bile ducts.

Find the cause

Viral and other tests.

Treat

Care for the cause.

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Symptoms

Signs and symptoms

Yellow eyes are often noticed first.

Yellow eyes

Yellowing of the whites of the eyes.

Yellow skin

Skin looks yellow.

Dark urine

Tea-coloured urine.

Pale stools

Clay-coloured stools in bile blockage.

Itching

Itchy skin, often in blockage.

Abdominal pain

Pain in the upper right abdomen.

Fever

With chills if the bile duct is infected.

Poor appetite

Nausea and loss of appetite.

Go to emergency if: jaundice comes with confusion, drowsiness, high fever with shivering, vomiting of blood, or black stools. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

How the cause is found

Blood tests and an ultrasound find most causes.

History and examination

Alcohol, medicines, travel and symptoms.

Liver function tests

Bilirubin, enzymes and clotting.

Viral tests

Hepatitis A, B, C and E.

Ultrasound

Checks the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts.

Further imaging

CT, MRCP or endoscopic tests if the bile duct is blocked.

Treatment

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at the cause.

Medical care

Viral hepatitis A and E usually settle with rest, fluids and monitoring. Other causes need specific treatment, such as stopping a harmful medicine or alcohol, or antivirals for hepatitis B.

Rest and enough fluidsA normal, balanced diet as toleratedAvoid alcohol and unnecessary medicines

Monitoring

  • Repeat liver tests
  • Watch for warning signs

Good to know

  • There is no need to avoid yellow foods
  • Herbal remedies can harm the liver
Recovery

Looking after yourself

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Eat normally

Eat a balanced diet as you feel able. There is no need to avoid turmeric or yellow foods.

Safe water and food

Hepatitis A and E spread through contaminated water. Drink safe water and wash hands before eating.

Avoid alcohol

Stop alcohol fully while the liver recovers, and ask your doctor before restarting.

Contact us urgently if

  • Confusion or drowsiness
  • High fever with shivering
  • Vomiting blood or black stools
  • Bleeding or easy bruising
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about jaundice

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Jaundice is cured by jhaad-phoonk or garlands.”

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Fact

These do not treat the cause and can delay needed care.

Myth

“You must eat only boiled, oil-free food.”

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Fact

A balanced diet helps recovery. Your doctor will advise if any change is needed.

Myth

“Jaundice is always hepatitis.”

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Fact

Blocked bile ducts, medicines and blood disorders can also cause jaundice.

Your care team

Gastroenterologists and GI surgeons

Dr. (Prof.) Ashok Kumar, Senior Consultant, Surgical Gastroenterology, Charak Hospital Lucknow
Senior Consultant, Surgical Gastroenterology

Dr. (Prof.) Ashok Kumar

MBBS, MS, M.Ch (Surgical Gastroenterology), FRCS, FACS

Colorectal and pelvic floor surgery, HPB and pancreatic surgery, and GI cancer surgery. OPD: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm.

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Dr. Manish Sharma, Surgical Gastroenterologist, Charak Hospital Lucknow
Surgical Gastroenterologist

Dr. Manish Sharma

MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)

Laparoscopic GI surgery, gallbladder and bile duct surgery, hernia and proctology. OPD: Monday to Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm.

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Gastroenterology and hepatology Surgical gastroenterology Gallstone disease
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Liver test reports
  • Ultrasound reports
  • List of medicines and herbal remedies

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Is jaundice contagious?

Jaundice itself is not, but hepatitis A and E spread through contaminated food and water, and hepatitis B and C through blood.

How long does jaundice take to clear?

In viral hepatitis A or E, usually a few weeks. It depends on the cause.

Should I avoid turmeric?

No. Turmeric does not cause or worsen jaundice.

When is admission needed?

When there is confusion, bleeding, severe vomiting, infection of the bile ducts or very abnormal blood tests.

Glossary

Words you may hear

BilirubinA yellow pigment from the breakdown of red blood cells.
Bile ductThe tube that carries bile from the liver to the intestine.
ERCPAn endoscopic procedure to clear the bile duct.
MRCPAn MRI scan of the bile ducts.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Gastroenterology and hepatology Hepatitis B and C Gallstone disease Fatty liver disease Health library

Yellow eyes or dark urine?

Get tested early. See a gastroenterologist at Charak Hospital or call 0522-666-4444.

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Department of Medical Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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