What Is Jaundice?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
1. Bilirubin
Our red blood cells have a life span of approximately 4 months when they are in our body. When they have come to the end of their lives, they are broken down by our livers, and fresh blood cells will take their place. When blood cells are broken down in this way, a substance known as bilirubin is formed, and this bilirubin is used to help make bile. If there was something wrong with the liver then the bilirubin would not be processed normally. This can mean that bilirubin is found flowing through the blood and, considering bilirubins yellow color, the patient will take on a yellow color themselves.
