Have you ever noticed a yellow tint on someone's skin or eyes? This yellowing could be a sign of jaundice, a condition that indicates issues with the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. It is a common problem and can affect people of all ages, with newborns and older adults being the most susceptible.

This article will explain what is jaundice, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and various treatment options. Learn how to manage and treat this condition with the guidance of the specialists at Narayana Health!

What is Jaundice?
How Common is Jaundice in Newborns?
Types of Jaundice
Causes Behind Jaundice
Symptoms of Jaundice
Treatment Options for Jaundice
Whom to Consult for Jaundice Management?
Frequently Asked Questions About Jaundice

What is Jaundice?

Jaundice is a medical condition characterised by the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. This yellow colour occurs due to an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. Bilirubin is processed by the liver and then excreted in bile. When the liver is not functioning properly, or when there is an obstruction in the bile ducts, bilirubin accumulates in the blood, leading to jaundice.

This condition can be a sign of various underlying issues, including liver disease, gallstones, or hemolytic anemia. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are essential to address the root cause and manage jaundice effectively.

How Common is Jaundice in Newborns?

Jaundice in Newborns

Newborn jaundice, seen as yellowing of the skin and eyes, affects about 3 out of 5 babies due to bilirubin. Typically harmless, it resolves within 1 to 2 weeks without treatment. However, bilirubin levels above 15 mg/dL can cause brain damage (kernicterus), requiring treatments like blood transfusions or phototherapy.

Preventing Jaundice in Newborns

Adequate feeding can prevent jaundice in infants. Breast-fed infants should have at least eight to twelve feedings daily during the first few days after birth. Formula-fed infants typically consume 1 to 2 ounces of formula every two to three hours during the first week.

Types of Jaundice

It can be characterised into three categories including:

Pre-hepatic
Intrahepatic
Post-hepatic

Pre-hepatic and intrahepatic causes are also known as medical jaundice. On the other hand, post-hepatic (or obstructive jaundice) is considered as surgical jaundice.

Causes Behind Jaundice

Jaundice can occur when excessive bilirubin builds up in the body. This may happen with:

Pregnancy
Medications
Cirrhosis or heavy drinking
Viral infections (like hepatitis A, B, C, D or E)
Autoimmune diseases like primary biliary cholangitis.
Hereditary conditions like Dubin–Johnson syndrome and Gilbert syndrome.
Hemolysis or red blood cells dying or breaking down and going to the liver.

Medical Tip: A deficiency in vitamin B12 can also lead to low levels of healthy red blood cells. This leads to a type of anaemia and pernicious anaemia. Symptoms of pernicious anaemia may include:

Jaundice
Diarrhoea
Loss of appetite

Symptoms of Jaundice

Jaundice may present without symptoms, but common signs include:

Yellowing of the skin and eyes
Fever
Stomach pain
Chills
Dark urine
Clay-coloured stools
Flu-like symptoms
Itchy skin
Weight loss
Irritability
Confusion
Drowsiness
Easy bruising or bleeding
Bloody vomit

These symptoms can vary in severity depending on how quickly the condition worsens.

Treatment Options for Jaundice

In adults, jaundice is not typically treated directly, but the underlying condition causing it is addressed by the doctor. In cases of acute viral hepatitis, jaundice will resolve on its own as the liver recovers. If a bile duct is blocked, the doctor may recommend surgery to open it.

Symptoms will usually resolve without treatment in mild cases.

The catch is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Also, it's crucial to limit the following:

Alcohol
Fried foods
Sugary foods
Refined carbs
Highly processed foods

Jaundice can generally be managed with the right diet and healthy lifestyle.

Here is the list of medications required to cure Jaundice:

Iron supplements
Cholestyramine
Antihistamines
Naltrexone
Rifampin

Referring to doctors and medical experts before taking any medication is crucial.

Bilirubin Levels in Jaundice

A bilirubin level of 2.0 mg/dL in the blood can cause jaundice, which is the primary reason for testing bilirubin levels.

High bilirubin in blood can also come out as darker pee. So, next time you notice a severe change in the colour of your urine, consider it.

Bilirubin results depend on your

Age
Health
Gender

Normal bilirubin levels in human bodies are less than 1 milligram per deciliter (mg/dL). Adults with jaundice generally have bilirubin levels of more than 2.5mg/dL.

Whom to Consult for Jaundice Management?

Are you or a loved one experiencing symptoms of jaundice? Timely intervention is crucial. The healthcare professionals at Narayana Health are here to provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs.
ACT NOW to receive advanced diagnostic services and a personalised treatment plan to manage jaundice and improve your liver health!

For appointments and expert guidance, CALL Narayana Health at 08068617735. Trust our skilled professionals to support you on your path to recovery and well-being!

Frequently Asked Questions About Jaundice

Q. What is the best treatment for jaundice?
A. Depending on your body's condition, there are several ways to treat jaundice, such as cholestyramine medicine if your skin is itching. If you have acute viral hepatitis, jaundice will heal as your liver heals.

Q. How can I reduce jaundice symptoms?
A. Eating a balanced diet to support your liver can improve your health during jaundice. This diet should include drinking enough water, consuming lean proteins, eating vegetables, and avoiding alcohol.

Q. What are the primary causes of jaundice?
A. Some of the primary causes of jaundice are viral infections, cirrhosis, autoimmune disease, hereditary conditions, etc.

Q. Which fruits are good for jaundice?
A. Several fruits, such as apples, watermelons, oranges, papayas, and pineapples, are helpful in treating jaundice.

Q. How to reduce bilirubin quickly?
A. Consuming fibre-rich foods, such as oats, beans, and whole grains, is the best way to reduce bilirubin quickly.

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