Does having jaundice mean you have hepatitis?

Generally, jaundice is a condition characterized by elevated levels of bilirubin in the body, leading to yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. It may be associated with various underlying diseases. Whether jaundice indicates hepatitis depends on the specific cause. If it results from hepatitis virus infection, then it is related to hepatitis; however, hemolytic jaundice and cholestatic jaundice are usually unrelated to hepatitis. The details are as follows:

If caused by hepatitis viruses such as hepatitis A, B, or C, liver cells may be damaged, disrupting normal bilirubin metabolism and resulting in jaundice. This represents a typical case where jaundice is directly linked to hepatitis. Additionally, intrahepatic bile duct obstruction caused by cholestatic hepatitis can lead to bile accumulation, preventing normal excretion of bilirubin and subsequently causing jaundice.

Jaundice can be classified into several types, including hemolytic jaundice, hepatocellular jaundice, and cholestatic jaundice. Hemolytic jaundice and cholestatic jaundice are typically unrelated to hepatitis and are instead caused by hemolytic disorders and obstructive biliary diseases, respectively.

Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits in daily life—such as avoiding excessive fatigue and alcohol consumption—can help reduce the burden on the liver and support recovery.