Definition:
Icterus is another name for jaundice. It is the yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes and conjunctivae due to large amounts of bile secretions in the blood.
Diagnosis:
Jaundice is diagnosed by the abnormal yellow pigment of the skin. Stool examination is also done to detect increased amounts of bile secretions.
Treatment:
Treatment of the condition is by addressing the problems of the diseases that caused jaundice.
Symptoms and Signs:
Among the symptoms of jaundice are yellowish skin and eyes.
Causes:
Jaundice is a result of increased production of bile fluids by the liver. It is a common symptom of major organ diseases such as hepatitis and liver failure. Jaundice is also caused by the destruction of hemoglobin found in the red blood cells due to bile contamination.