Are your eyes turning yellow? It could be a small change in the liver: Let's learn about Gilbert's Syndrome!

Have you ever noticed that the whites of your eyes , and sometimes your skin, are a little yellow? Or has a doctor told you that your blood test shows a little high bilirubin levels? You might be worried. But don't worry, because most of the time it's not that serious. Today we're going to talk about just such a condition, which is called Gilbert's Syndrome.

What is `Gilbert's Syndrome`?

Simply put, `Gilbert's Syndrome` is a genetic condition in which our liver cannot properly process a substance called `bilirubin`. Think about it, when old red blood cells in our body break down, a yellow substance called `bilirubin` is produced. This is a waste product. The liver of a healthy person takes this `bilirubin`, changes it, and removes it from the body.

But in people with Gilbert's Syndrome, the liver doesn't produce enough of a type of enzyme that helps break down bilirubin. To be precise, there's a slight deficiency in the production of that enzyme. So what happens then? That bilirubin builds up in the body. When the level of bilirubin in the blood increases like this, we medically call it hyperbilirubinemia.

So, what is this `Bilirubin`?

Bilirubin, as mentioned earlier, is a yellow pigment that is produced when our old red blood cells break down. It is found in our bile. Bile is a fluid produced by the liver that helps dissolve the fats in the food we eat. As you know, the liver is a very important organ in our digestive system. It filters toxins from the blood, digests fats, and stores glucose, which is needed for energy, as glycogen.

How common is Gilbert's Syndrome?

This is actually not as rare as you might think. In a country like the United States, it is estimated that between 3% and 7% of the population has this condition. Also, men are more likely to develop `Gilbert's Syndrome` than women. It can affect people of any age and of any race.

Who can develop `Gilbert's Syndrome`? What causes it?

Gilbert's Syndrome is a genetic condition. This means that it is passed down from parents to children. Like all of our characteristics (for example, skin color , hair color, height), it is determined by genes. Similarly, people with Gilbert's Syndrome inherit a change, or mutation, in a specific gene called UGT1A1.

To be precise, a healthy `UGT1A1` gene produces the liver enzymes that break down the aforementioned `bilirubin` and remove it from the body. However, in people with a mutation in the `UGT1A1` gene, only 30% of the required amount of this enzyme is produced. As a result, `bilirubin` does not combine with bile properly and leave the body. So, that extra `bilirubin` accumulates in the blood.

What are the symptoms of `Gilbert's Syndrome`?

Surprisingly, about one in three people with Gilbert's Syndrome have no symptoms at all. They only find out about the condition by chance when they have a blood test for something else.

However, among those who do develop symptoms, the most common symptom is jaundice, or jaundice. This is caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Jaundice can cause your skin and the whites of your eyes to turn yellow. But remember, this yellowing is not necessarily harmful.

Sometimes, people with jaundice or Gilbert's Syndrome may also experience symptoms like:

• Dark-colored urine or clay-colored stools.
• Difficulty concentrating on something.
• Feeling dizzy .
• Digestive system problems: For example, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea.
• Feeling very tired (fatigue).
• Flu -like symptoms such as fever and chills.
• The food is tasteless.

What things aggravate the symptoms of Gilbert's Syndrome?

The following factors can increase the level of bilirubin in the blood of a person with Gilbert's Syndrome, causing jaundice :

• Dehydration: If you don't drink enough water. This can happen a lot in our country's heat.
• Fasting or skipping meals: Things like not eating breakfast or eating lunch late.
• Illness or infections: Even a cold or other infection can cause bilirubin levels to increase.
• Menstruation : For women, these symptoms may also be more noticeable during menstruation.
• Overexertion: When you work hard all the time, play, exercise, or do very heavy work.
• Stress: The pressure that arises as an exam approaches and work responsibilities increase also have an impact.

Imagine, there is a young boy named Nimal. He doesn't know that he has `Gilbert's Syndrome`. One day, he played cricket with his friends, sweated a lot, and didn't drink enough water. The next morning, his mother notices that Nimal's eyes are a little yellow. It is only when she shows him to a doctor that she learns that he has `Gilbert's Syndrome`, and that his bilirubin levels have increased due to the fatigue of the day and lack of water.

How is Gilbert's Syndrome diagnosed?

Gilbert's Syndrome is a genetic condition, which means it's present from birth. But it often goes undiagnosed until a blood test shows high bilirubin levels. It's usually diagnosed at a young age, in the late teens or early twenties, when a blood test is done for something else.

In addition to blood tests, you may also have tests like these:

• Liver function tests: These check how well your liver is working and what your bilirubin levels are.
• Genetic tests: This can accurately determine whether the `UGT1A1` gene mutation that causes `Gilbert's Syndrome` is present.

What are the possible complications of Gilbert's Syndrome?

Here's the important thing: Gilbert's Syndrome is a very mild condition. It doesn't cause any long-term complications or serious health problems. So there's nothing to worry about.

Is there a treatment for Gilbert's Syndrome? How is it managed?

Having yellow eyes, or jaundice, can be a bit of a mental health concern. You may think things like, "Oh, my eyes are yellow, what will anyone think?" However, neither jaundice nor Gilbert's Syndrome require any special treatment.

This is like the color of our skin. Some are very fair, some are pale. It's not a disease. That's how it is.

Can Gilbert's Syndrome be prevented?

Since Gilbert's Syndrome is hereditary, there is no way to prevent it.

What is the prognosis for someone with Gilbert's Syndrome?

This is also very good news. People with `Gilbert's Syndrome` can live long, healthy lives without any problems. They do not have any long-term health problems due to this condition.

When should you see a doctor about Gilbert's Syndrome?

Although this usually doesn't require any special treatment, it's a good idea to see a doctor if you continue to have symptoms like these:

• Persistent digestive problems (e.g., stomach cramps, diarrhea).
• Dark urine or clay-colored stools .
• Fever and chills.
• Persistent or frequent yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) .

What questions should I ask my doctor about Gilbert's Syndrome?

When you find out you have Gilbert's Syndrome, it's normal to have a lot of questions. You may want to ask your doctor things like:

• Why did I develop `Gilbert's Syndrome`?
• Do I need treatment for this?
• What can I do to prevent jaundice?
• How long does jaundice last?
• Should I get genetic tests to see if other members of my family have Gilbert's Syndrome?
• Should I be concerned about complications? (We know that this is a low-risk procedure, but it's good to know.)

Finally, a few things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Gilbert's Syndrome is a very mild condition that does not require treatment. Although occasional yellowing of the eyes and skin can be a bit annoying, jaundice does not pose any health risks. This yellowing of the skin and eyes usually goes away on its own . Your doctor can advise you on ways to reduce the chances of jaundice associated with Gilbert's Syndrome. So, don't overthink it. Live a happy life!

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