Sárgaság

Sárgaság is the Hungarian word for jaundice, a medical condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. This yellow discoloration is caused by an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. When the liver is unable to process bilirubin efficiently, or when there is an increased production of bilirubin, it can build up in the bloodstream and deposit in tissues, leading to jaundice.

Several underlying conditions can cause jaundice. These can include liver diseases such as hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), as well as conditions affecting the bile ducts, which are responsible for carrying bile from the liver to the small intestine. Gallstones, for instance, can block these ducts. Other causes can involve problems with red blood cell breakdown, such as hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells are destroyed more rapidly than usual. In newborns, jaundice is common due to the immature liver's inability to process bilirubin effectively, a condition known as neonatal jaundice.

The primary symptom of sárgaság is the visible yellowing of the skin and sclera (the whites of the eyes). Depending on the cause, other symptoms may accompany jaundice, such as pale stools, dark urine, abdominal pain, fatigue, fever, or nausea. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, blood tests to measure bilirubin levels and liver function, and sometimes imaging studies like an ultrasound. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the elevated bilirubin.