Jaundice is caused by the buildup of bilirubin, a yellow substance produced during the breakdown of red blood cells, in the body. This buildup can occur due to problems in different stages of bilirubin metabolism and excretion, broadly categorized into three causes:

1. Prehepatic Causes (Before the Liver)

• Excessive breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis) leads to increased bilirubin production that overwhelms the liver's capacity to process it.
• Conditions causing this include hemolytic anemia, certain infections, autoimmune diseases, hereditary disorders like Gilbert's syndrome, and some medications

2. Hepatocellular Causes (Liver Dysfunction)

• Damage to liver cells impairs their ability to process and conjugate bilirubin.
• Causes include viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E), cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune liver diseases, drug-induced liver injury, genetic liver disorders (e.g., Wilson’s disease), and cancer affecting the liver

3. Posthepatic Causes (After the Liver)

• Obstruction of bile flow prevents conjugated bilirubin from being excreted into the digestive tract, causing it to accumulate in the blood.
• Common causes include gallstones blocking bile ducts, pancreatic or gallbladder cancer, bile duct strictures, infections, and pregnancy-related cholestasis

In summary, jaundice results from increased bilirubin production, impaired liver processing, or blockage of bile excretion, often signaling underlying liver, blood, or bile duct diseases