Is Emergency Admission Required For Worsened Dark Urine,pale Stool And Jaundice?

Posted on Sun, 15 Dec 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 15 Dec 2013 Answered on

Sat, 4 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, My mom aged 82 had had increasing pain in the upper central stomach/ribcage. She has been burping a lot for 3 months, now has dark urine and pale stools, with jaundice associated has worsened over the last week. She hasn't yet had an endosccopy or ultrasound, but blood test no results yet. In 2 more days she sees her doctor again. Should I take her to emergency now? Healthy all life, low alcohol.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Hi and welcome to XXXXXXX Detailed Answer: Thanks for the query. This is not an emergency,but she needs further evaluation and the exact cause of jaundice should be established as soon as possible. This can be caused by biliary duct obstruction,hepatitis or hematologic diseases. She probably has biliary duct issue and she should rule out billiary stones and tumors first. So she must do ultrasound or CT scan as soon as possible. Till this, she should eat easier food,drink plenty of fluids,avoid alcohol and fatty food. Also, she should take antiacids mecdicines such as ranitidin or omeprasole. Jaundice may be sign of serious diseases,but you dont need to be afraid. She just need to be patient and do diagnostic tests which will reveal the exact diagnosis. Then further therapy can be planned. Some things can be managed surgically if necessary but most of them can be resolved by nonsurgical procedures. If she has breathing difficulties,fever more than 40 or excessive vomiting,she should visit doctor right away. Wish you good health. Feel free to ask. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar