This is a condition characterised by the unusual presence of bile pigment (bilirubin) in the blood. Bile produced in the liver and stored in the gall bladder passes into the bloodstream instead of the intestines and results in yellow colour of skin and whites of the eyes. Jaundice is a symptom of an underlying cause.

Obstructive jaundice is caused due to bile not reaching the intestine because of an obstruction such as gallstones. Haemolytic jaundice occurs when red blood cells are destroyed by haemolysis, with the production of a yellow pigment in the blood. Hepatocellular jaundice occurs in liver diseases, such as hepatitis, which render the liver incapable of using the bilirubin. Neonatal jaundice is quite common in newborn infants due to physiological immaturity of the liver.