What Is Kambal Disease?

Kambal disease is the local name used in several South‑Asian communities for the medical condition more widely known as jaundice. It is characterized by a yellowish discoloration of the skin, sclera (the white part of the eyes), and sometimes mucous membranes. The color change occurs when the blood contains an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells.

How Jaundice Develops: The Role of Bilirubin

Bilirubin is formed when hemoglobin from old red blood cells is broken down. Under normal circumstances the liver processes bilirubin, converting it into a water‑soluble form that is excreted in bile and eliminated in stool. When this pathway is disrupted, bilirubin accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to the visible yellow tint that defines Kambal disease.

Types of Jaundice (Kambal Disease)

Pre‑hepatic (Hemolytic) Jaundice

This type occurs before bilirubin reaches the liver. Rapid destruction of red blood cells releases large amounts of bilirubin that the liver cannot process quickly enough.

Hepatic (Liver) Jaundice

Damage to liver cells—caused by hepatitis, alcohol, fatty liver disease, or certain medications—reduces the organ’s ability to conjugate and excrete bilirubin.

Post‑hepatic (Obstructive) Jaundice

Blockages in the bile ducts, such as gallstones, tumors, or strictures, prevent bilirubin from leaving the liver, causing it to back up into the bloodstream.

Common Causes of Kambal Disease

Signs and Symptoms

While the yellow discoloration is the hallmark sign, Kambal disease may present additional symptoms depending on the underlying cause:

Diagnosing Kambal Disease

Healthcare providers