How is jaundice produced when a person has a high rate of red blood cell destruction?

Jaundice occurs when there is an excessive breakdown of red blood cells, leading to an increase in bilirubin production. Normally, bilirubin is processed by the liver and excreted in bile, but when red blood cell destruction is high, the liver may become overwhelmed and unable to conjugate and eliminate the excess bilirubin efficiently. This results in elevated levels of unconjugated bilirubin in the bloodstream, causing the yellowing of the skin and eyes characteristic of jaundice. Conditions such as hemolytic anemia or certain infections can trigger this high rate of red blood cell destruction.