As you know, the eyes act as a kind of mirror of the soul. They can also tell you about the current state of a person's he alth. Yellowness of the sclera is considered an alarming sign that should not be ignored. It always indicates pathological changes in the body.
Medical certificate
The sclera is the outer connective tissue membrane of the eye. It performs a protective function. Consists of bundles of collagen fibers. Its thickness varies from 0.3 to 1 mm. In children, the shell of the eye is so thin that it has a bluish tint, and visual pigment is often visible through it. Thickness increases with age.
The main cause of yellowness of the sclera is the pigment bilirubin. Normally, its indicators in blood serum vary within 8-20.5 µmol/l. The pigment appears as a result of the continuous breakdown of red blood cells. After it enters the liver, and from there it enters the intestines as part of bile and is excreted along with the feces. Part of the bilirubin is reabsorbed into the blood from the intestine. It is this pigmentensures normal color of feces and urine.
Jaundice of the skin and sclera appears due to an increase in the concentration of bilirubin in the blood. The first symptoms occur when this figure reaches 25-45 µmol / l. You can not ignore them, you must immediately consult a doctor. Below we consider the most common causes of pathology.
Diseases of the hepatobiliary system and pancreas
In various pathologies of the liver, there is a failure in the process of binding bilirubin in hepatocytes due to damage and deformation of the latter. As a result, the pigment accumulates in the blood serum, causing the corresponding symptoms.
The following hepatic pathologies may be the cause of jaundice of the sclera:
- different types of hepatitis;
- fatty hepatosis;
- fibrosis and cirrhosis of the organ;
- formations of a malignant nature;
- parasitic lesions;
- sarcoidosis.
Yellowness of the sclera against the background of diseases of the biliary tract may be due to an excess of bilirubin and the impossibility of its further movement into the intestine. This happens due to various reasons, for example, due to blockage of the ducts with stones. As a result, a full-fledged outflow of bile is disturbed, small bile ducts are torn. All this leads to the reverse reflux of bile into the blood, against which cholestatic jaundice develops.
The disease has specific manifestations. The mucous membranes and skin acquire an intense yellow tint, close to orange. Appearssevere skin itching, pain in the right hypochondrium. The stool becomes discolored, and the urine becomes like beer.
With various pathologies of the pancreas (pancreatitis, neoplasms of benign and malignant etiology), the organ grows in volume. It begins to compress the bile ducts, so the outflow of the secret is disturbed. As a result, jaundice develops.
Blood diseases
Various blood diseases, characterized by the destruction of red blood cells and the subsequent breakdown of hemoglobin, may be accompanied by a hemolytic variant of jaundice. At the same time, the skin practically does not change its color, and the sclera acquire a yellowish-lemon hue.
What diseases can lead to such symptoms?
- Malaria.
- Birth defects of red blood cells and hemoglobin at the genetic level (Minkowski-Chauffard disease, thalassemia).
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
Icterus eyes in newborns
Yellowness of the sclera and skin in newborns is a fairly common phenomenon. Immediately after the birth of a baby, the fetal form of hemoglobin, which is responsible for saturating the fetus with oxygen inside the womb, disintegrates in his body. As a result, an excessive amount of bilirubin is formed. Due to the immaturity of the enzymatic systems, the child's body cannot fully "neutralize" it. As a result, physiological jaundice develops. The condition does not require specific treatment. Skin and sclera, asusually clear up on their own within 2-3 weeks.
Sometimes newborns are diagnosed with pathological jaundice. The main reasons are the following factors:
- hereditary diseases;
- metabolic disorder;
- taking certain medications;
- fetal infections;
- asphyxia during delivery;
- malfunctions of the endocrine system.
Symptoms of pathological jaundice appear immediately after birth. It progresses rapidly, spreading to the palms and feet. All this is accompanied by a deterioration in the general he alth of the child and requires urgent medical intervention.
Exchange genetic pathologies
In medical practice, there are a number of diseases that are inherent in the genetic nature and the simultaneous violation of the metabolism of certain substances. One of the symptoms is yellowness of the sclera. These pathologies include:
- Hemochromatosis (accumulation of iron in organs and tissues).
- Wilson-Konovalov disease (impaired copper metabolism).
- Gilbert's disease (a hereditary disease characterized by the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood).
- Amyloidosis (accumulation of abnormal amyloid protein in organs).
Ophthalmic causes
In some cases, yellowness of the sclera of the eyes is not associated with metabolic processes affecting bilirubin. This symptom is focal in nature and manifests itself in the form of spots on the shell of the visual apparatus. Cause itappearance must be sought in ophthalmic diseases. Listed below are just a few.
Pterygium is a disease characterized by the growth of the conjunctiva of the eye on the area of the pupil and the transparent cornea. It negatively affects visual function, but has a slow course. The exact reasons are unknown. The only treatment option is surgery.
Pingvecula is a small yellow formation in the sclera of the eye, which may rise slightly above the surface. He is often mistaken for a wen. Pathology has an asymptomatic course and practically does not affect vision. It is found predominantly in the elderly. It does not require special therapy, but if the patient wishes, the formation is removed through laser surgery.
Melanoma, unlike wen and pinguecula, is a malignant neoplasm. It is also characterized by the formation of a yellowish or brownish spot. It is usually localized in the inner corner of the eye, but is difficult to diagnose. Once this type of melanoma is detected, urgent treatment is required. Otherwise, the patient may completely lose visual function.
Methods for diagnosing the problem
According to the photo of yellowness of the sclera of the eyes, it is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, patients with this symptom must undergo a comprehensive examination of the body.
First of all, blood biochemistry should be taken to determine the concentration of bilirubin, fibrinogen, gamma-albumin. Then an ultrasound is performed.liver, during which the size of the organ, the condition of the spleen is assessed. If hepatitis is suspected, rheohepatography and puncture biopsy are prescribed.
Necessary treatment
Therapy of the disease is carried out depending on the cause of yellowness of the sclera of the eyes. In some cases, medication is enough, while in others, surgical intervention is already required. For example, physiological neonatal jaundice does not imply medical intervention. However, its pathological form requires the child to be under a special lamp and taking medications. With cirrhosis, therapy is symptomatic, and in especially serious cases, an organ transplant is performed.
Additionally, when prescribing treatment, consultation of narrow specialists may be required.
Prevention Methods
If yellowness of the sclera and skin appears, this is a reason to reconsider your lifestyle and nutrition. Addictions, alcohol abuse, deficiency of nutrients in the body - all this can lead to the acquisition of an unhe althy shade of the eye shell. Therefore, it is necessary to resort to the following recommendations of doctors as soon as possible:
- Remove all "food junk" from the diet, as well as sweet and s alty foods.
- Completely eliminate the use of alcoholic beverages.
- Try to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. In the winter season, you can additionally take vitamin complexes, but only after consulting a doctor.
Extremely importantspend more time on rest, and it should be right. This is not about watching TV programs, but about walking in the fresh air, doing sports that are feasible. From an early age, children should also be taught to such a pastime.
As you know, all diseases come from nerves. Therefore, this factor must also be tried to be excluded from life. To this end, doctors advise in case of forced overwork to rest, try not to take on an unbearable load. Yoga classes, meditation, relaxation sessions also help. Everyone can find an option according to their hobbies and desires.
