Jaundice is a condition where the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow. This happens because of a substance in the body called bilirubin. Jaundice is often seen in newborn babies, but it can happen to anyone.
The word “jaundice” comes from the French word “jaune,” which means yellow. Another name for jaundice is “icterus,” which comes from an old Greek word for a yellow bird. People used to think looking at a yellow bird could cure jaundice, but that’s just a myth. Today, we know more about what really causes jaundice.
To understand jaundice, we need to learn about bilirubin. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that comes from the breakdown of red blood cells. Red blood cells live for about 120 days, and when they get old, they break down into hemoglobin. This hemoglobin is then split into iron and bilirubin. The body reuses iron, but bilirubin is a waste product.
The liver helps process bilirubin and sends it to the small intestine. There, bacteria change it into substances that make urine and feces yellow. Usually, bilirubin leaves the body without any problems.
Sometimes, especially in newborns with immature livers, bilirubin builds up in the blood. This can cause jaundice because the extra bilirubin leaks into the skin and eyes, turning them yellow.
There are three main types of jaundice:
Besides yellow skin and eyes, people with jaundice might have:
If you see someone with yellow skin or eyes, it’s important to get them to a doctor quickly.
To help prevent jaundice, it’s important to keep your liver healthy. Here are some tips:
Knowing about jaundice helps us spot it early and get treatment. By recognizing the symptoms and living a healthy lifestyle, we can help prevent jaundice. If you’re worried about jaundice, talk to a doctor for advice.
Color Observation Activity: Find different yellow objects around your home or classroom. Compare their shades of yellow to understand how bilirubin might change the color of skin and eyes in jaundice. Discuss with your friends or family why you think bilirubin causes this yellow color. Can you find anything else in nature that turns yellow?
Red Blood Cell Journey: Create a simple drawing or model showing the journey of a red blood cell from its creation to its breakdown. Include steps where it turns into bilirubin and how the liver processes it. Use colored pencils or clay to make your model more vivid. Share your creation with the class and explain each step.
Healthy Liver Challenge: Plan a day of meals and activities that help keep your liver healthy. Include foods you think are part of a balanced diet and fun exercises you can do. Try to follow your plan for a day and write about how it made you feel. Why do you think these choices are good for your liver?
