icterons

An icteron is a term historically used to refer to a yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes, commonly known as jaundice. This coloration is caused by an excess of bilirubin, a pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. When the liver is unable to process bilirubin efficiently, or when there is an excessive production of bilirubin, it can accumulate in the bloodstream and deposit in tissues, leading to the characteristic yellow hue.

Historically, the term icteron was used more broadly to describe this symptom without necessarily specifying the underlying cause. However, modern medicine uses the term jaundice, and focuses on identifying the specific medical condition responsible for the elevated bilirubin levels. These conditions can range from liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, to problems with the bile ducts, or even certain blood disorders that lead to increased red blood cell destruction.

The severity of icterons or jaundice can vary. Mild cases may only be noticeable upon close examination of the whites of the eyes, while severe cases can cause a pronounced yellowing of the entire body. Associated symptoms can include fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and dark urine. Diagnosis typically involves medical history, physical examination, blood tests to measure bilirubin levels and liver function, and sometimes imaging studies to assess the liver and bile ducts. Treatment depends entirely on the identified cause of the icteron.