Fever and yellow eyes: what to know

Yellowing of the eye whites happens when bilirubin builds up in the body. This can relate to inflammation or infection of the liver, blockage of bile flow, or increased breakdown of red blood cells. Dark urine, pale stools, itching, nausea, right-sided upper-abdominal pain, or unusual tiredness can provide useful clues.

Fever and jaundice together are not explained by an ordinary cold alone. A clinician may need to review recent travel, food and water exposure, medicines, alcohol, medical history, and contact with illness before choosing blood tests or scans.

Arrange same-day medical advice and note when the eye colour changed. Bring a list of medicines, supplements, recent travel, and any test results. Drink normally if you can, avoid alcohol, and do not start herbal remedies or stop prescribed medicine without professional guidance. Do not share towels or personal items if an infectious liver illness is being considered.

Go to emergency care for severe abdominal pain, confusion, extreme sleepiness, repeated vomiting, bleeding, difficulty breathing, fainting, or rapidly worsening yellowing. Fever with shaking chills and yellow eyes is also urgent, particularly when accompanied by dark urine or pale stools. New jaundice in a newborn needs immediate medical attention.

Ask whether the pattern suggests liver inflammation or blocked bile flow, which tests are needed, whether medicines may contribute, and how to reduce infection risk at home.