Health Tip: Causes for Jaundice

(HealthDay News) - Jaundice occurs when excess bilirubin builds up in the liver, causing the skin and whites of the eyes to develop a yellowish tint. Bilirubin is produced when hemoglobin from red blood cells is broken down by the body.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these possible causes of jaundice:

• A tumor or gallstone obstructing a bile duct.

• Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis).

• A narrowing of a bile duct.

• Cirrhosis of the liver.

• Pancreatic cancer.

• Insufficient blood supply to the liver.

• Congenital defects affecting bilirubin production.

• Malaria.