US Medical Term · symptoms
Jaundice
Ictericia
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Jaundice |
| Spanish (Español) | Ictericia |
| Chinese (中文) | 黃疸 |
| Korean (한국어) | 황달 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Vàng da |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Paninilaw ng balat |
| Portuguese (Português) | Icterícia |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ดีซ่าน |
| Japanese (日本語) | 黄疸 |
What it means
Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. Normally the liver processes bilirubin for excretion, but when the liver is diseased or the bile ducts are blocked, bilirubin accumulates. Common causes include hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones, bile duct obstruction, and hemolytic anemia. Jaundice is always a significant finding. It may also be accompanied by dark urine, pale stools, itching, and abdominal pain. New jaundice in an adult should be evaluated by a doctor promptly, usually the same day.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My eyes and skin have turned yellow over the past few days.
Los ojos y la piel se me han puesto amarillos en los últimos días.
I noticed my urine is very dark brown, like the color of tea.
Noté que la orina es muy oscura, como del color del té.
I have yellow skin and my stools have been pale and clay-colored.
Tengo la piel amarilla y las heces han estado pálidas y color arcilla.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
R17 Unspecified jaundiceRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026