What causes yellowing of the body?
Sep 07, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Gallstones in the bile duct usually result from stones blocking the flow of bile within the bile duct. When the bile duct is obstructed by a stone, bile cannot flow smoothly from the liver to the duodenum, leading to bile accumulation and reflux of bilirubin into the bloodstream, which causes jaundice. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as right upper abdominal pain, fever, and chills. Patients can be treated with medications such as Danshu Capsules and Metronidazole tablets under the guidance of a physician.
Under normal circumstances, yellowing of the body may be caused by excessive intake of carotene, unhealthy lifestyle habits, jaundice, bile duct stones, acute hepatitis, and other reasons. General treatments or medications can be used under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Excessive intake of carotene
Consuming too many foods rich in carotene—such as carrots, pumpkins, and oranges—may lead to elevated levels of carotene in the body, resulting in yellowish skin discoloration. Reducing or stopping the intake of such foods, maintaining a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and promoting metabolism can help resolve this condition.
2. Unhealthy lifestyle habits
Irregular作息 (daily routines), chronic late-night habits, insufficient sleep, and lack of physical activity can impair the body’s metabolism and blood circulation, potentially leading to dull, yellowish skin. Adjusting daily routines and ensuring adequate sleep are recommended.
3. Jaundice
Jaundice is typically caused by elevated bilirubin levels in the blood. When the normal metabolism and excretion of bilirubin are disrupted, it may accumulate in the bloodstream and deposit in the skin and mucous membranes, causing yellowing. Symptoms may include yellowing of the whites of the eyes, darkened urine, and itchy skin. Patients may take medications such as phenobarbital tablets, anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting tablets, or ursodeoxycholic acid capsules as directed by a physician.
4. Bile duct stones
Bile duct stones usually occur when stones block the flow of bile within the bile ducts. Once obstructed, bile cannot flow smoothly from the liver to the duodenum, leading to bile stasis and reflux of bilirubin into the bloodstream, which causes body yellowing. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as right upper abdominal pain, fever, and chills. Patients may be treated with medications such as Danshu capsules, bifendate tablets, or metronidazole tablets under medical supervision.
5. Acute hepatitis
Acute hepatitis is commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections. When viruses attack liver cells, they may disrupt the uptake, conversion, or excretion of bilirubin, increasing levels of unconjugated bilirubin in the blood and resulting in yellow skin. Other common symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as entecavir dispersible tablets, phenobarbital tablets, or compound glycyrrhizin tablets.
Maintaining a healthy diet by avoiding spicy and irritating foods, along with regular exercise to boost immune function, is recommended in daily life.
