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Hyperbilirubinemia

Having too much of a substance known as bilirubin in the circulating blood. Bilirubin is a yellow-orange substance found in bile. Bile is a bitter, yellow-green substance released from the liver that carries away waste products. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for filtering (removing) harmful chemical substances, producing important chemicals for the body, and other important functions.
When bilirubin levels get too high, sickness, anorexia (excessive weight loss), and jaundice (when the skin appears yellowish) are likely to occur. Jaundice is a yellow staining of the skin, whites of the eyes, deeper tissues, mucous membranes, and waste that is discharged from the body. A mucous membrane is one of four major types of thin sheets of tissue that line or cover various parts of the body, such as the mouth and passages for breathing.

Hyperbilirubinemia is often caused by disease of the liver or blockage of bile. It can also be due to excessive destruction of red blood cells. Red blood cells are cells that help carry oxygen in the blood.Treatment generally consists of providing the affected individual with liquids and providing phototherapy (light therapy).
The word hyperbilirubinemia comes from the Greek word "hyper," meaning "above," the Latin word "bili," meaning "bile," the Latin word "rubber," meaning "red," and the word "emia" comes from the Greek word "haima," meaning "blood." Put it all together and you get "above (the level of) red bile (in the) blood."

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