What term describes the yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes, often linked to liver or gallbladder disease?

The term that describes the yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes is jaundice. This condition occurs when there is an accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream, often due to liver dysfunction, bile duct obstruction, or excessive breakdown of red blood cells. Jaundice signifies that there may be underlying issues with liver or gallbladder health, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or gallstones.

Understanding jaundice is crucial because it can indicate serious health problems requiring medical attention. It is typically recognized by the eye sclera (the white part of the eye) and the skin turning yellow, making it a visible indicator for healthcare providers to assess the patient’s liver function and overall health status.

The other terms do not relate to the yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes. Acidosis refers to an excess of acid in the body fluids, cyanosis is a bluish discoloration caused by lack of oxygen, and hypoxia refers to low oxygen levels in tissues.