Jaundice
Jaundice which refers to the yellowing of the eyes and skin is another common symptom of gallbladder problems (gallbladder disease to be precise). The yellowing is caused by an increase in the amount of bilirubin in the blood (a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia).
Although there are many other health problems linked to Jaundice, gallbladder disease is at the top of the list of causes. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment produced by the liver when haemoglobin is broken down and released in bile for elimination. The amount of bilirubin in the body (blood) is an indication of the liver’s health. A healthy adult should have approximately 1.2 mg of bilirubin per deciliter in their blood. Children (anyone less than 18 years old) should have approximately 1 mg of bilirubin per deciliter.
A high amount of bilirubin is a sign of poor liver health among other health problems like gallbladder disease since the pigment is flushed out of the body via the bile ducts. It leaves the body as part of urine and stool. Blocked bile ducts cause bilirubin to build up which find its way to the skin and the white parts of the eyes.
