Introduction

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

What is Jaundice?

Jaundice is a medical condition that causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. This yellow colour is due to an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. Bilirubin is processed by the liver and eliminated in the bile. Jaundice is caused by an excess of bilirubin in the blood, resulting from liver dysfunction or obstruction of the bile ducts.

This condition can be a sign of several underlying disorders including liver disease, gallstones or haemolytic anaemia. To effectively manage the jaundice, it is important to accurately diagnose and treat the underlying cause.

How Common is Jaundice in Newborns?

Jaundice in Newborns

Newborn jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, affects about 3 out of 5 infants due to elevated bilirubin levels. Commonly 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 doctor treats the underlying condition. 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 the blood can also cause darker urine. 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 your loved one experiencing symptoms of jaundice? Timely intervention is vital. The healthcare professionals at Narayana Health are here to provide extensive care customized to your needs.
Take action right now to receive advanced diagnostic services and an individualized treatment plan to manage jaundice and improve your liver health!

For appointments and professional advice, CALL Narayana Health at 08068617735. Rely on our skilled professionals to support you on your path to healing and wellness!

Conclusion

Jaundice is your body’s way of saying something might not be working right. It can be a temporary condition, but it can also be a sign of a more serious condition of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, or blood that needs medical attention. If you’re alert to early symptoms like yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools or unusual tiredness, it can make a huge difference. Early diagnosis often leads to better outcomes.

The right treatment depends on the underlying cause, so it’s important to get evaluated promptly. Our experienced gastroenterologists, hepatologists and multidisciplinary team at Narayana Health offer comprehensive diagnosis and personalised treatment to aid your recovery and maintain long-term liver health.

FAQs

Q. What is the best treatment for jaundice?
A. Depending on your body's condition, there are several ways to treat jaundice, such as the medicine cholestyramine if your skin is itchy. 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, help treat 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.