Jaundice in New Orleans, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is jaundice?
Jaundice is a condition that occurs when a yellowish hue forms in the whites of the eyes and on the skin. This condition is caused by an elevated level of bilirubin, a yellow-orange pigment made by the body during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Several factors can be the root cause of jaundice including gallstones, hepatitis, and tumors. If your skin or eyes have started to display a yellowish hue, the knowledgeable digestive health providers at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates can help. Our providers treat individuals with jaundice in New Orleans, LA regularly and can assist you in determining the source of the issue and finding the best solutions.
What are the signs and symptoms of jaundice?
Some individuals with jaundice will not experience any symptoms at all and their diagnosis will be found unexpectedly. In other cases, symptoms do arise. Often, the symptoms one experiences will depend greatly on the condition that is causing jaundice and how the disease or condition is progressing.
If an infection is the cause of jaundice, symptoms may include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Fever or chills
- Clay-colored stool and/or Dark-colored urine
- Yellowing of the skin
- Abdominal pain
If an infection is not the source of your jaundice, your symptoms could include itchy skin and weight loss. When jaundice is caused by pancreatic or biliary tract cancer, it can also result in abdominal pain. If it is determined that liver disease is causing your jaundice, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Pyoderma gangrenosum (skin disease)
- Inflammation of the joints (polyarthralgia)
- Inflammation of the liver
- Hepatitis A, B, or C
How is jaundice diagnosed and treated?
If you feel you may need assistance with jaundice in New Orleans, LA, we encourage you to request an appointment with one of our skilled gastroenterologists. The first step our providers will take in your diagnosis of jaundice will be to check for signs of liver disease. These signs include:
- Spider veins
- Bruised skin
- Red coloration of the palms and fingertips (Palmar erythema)
Other tests may be performed, which can include a urine test and blood tests to check bilirubin levels, a test to check the size and tenderness of your liver, and a liver biopsy. This array of testing helps us not only diagnose jaundice but to test for other liver issues that may be present.
Generally, jaundice in adults does not require treatment, however, the conditions and the complications that can arise due to the conditions need to be addressed and often do require treatment. Treatment might be focused on relieving bothersome symptoms including:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gas or upset stomach
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Bloating
Specific treatments required would be dependent upon the conditions and complications that arise and would be determined by your Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates provider.
Expert treatment for jaundice
If you are experiencing symptoms of jaundice, expert care is available through GI specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Our board-certified specialists assist individuals with jaundice in New Orleans, LA regularly and have the knowledge and expertise to diagnose the source of your jaundice and create an individualized treatment plan that will address your symptoms and concerns. Request a consultation today and let us aid you on your path to better GI health.
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Dr.Mark Wegmann is a wonderful and knowledgeable doctor with great bedside manner. I would definitely recommend him for any of your Gastroenterology concerns.
I love Dr. Vernon Carriere! He actually listens when you talk and try to explain what you're going through! He's an excellent doctor!
Dr Meyer is undoubtedly one of the most professional and comforting doctors that I depend on for my healthcare.
Dr Silvers is a good doctor! Always explain everything that you will experience. He has a listening ear .Everybody loves him!
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