What Is Jaundice?
Jaundice is a condition in which the level of bilirubin in the blood becomes too high, causing the eyes, urine, and skin to appear yellow.
Main Causes of Jaundice
- Liver inflammation, such as viral hepatitis, drug-induced hepatitis, and alcoholic hepatitis.
- Jaundice caused by certain inherited or congenital conditions (congenital jaundice).
- Jaundice in newborns (neonatal jaundice).
- Jaundice caused by the excessive breakdown of red blood cells (haemolytic jaundice).
- Jaundice caused by a blockage in the bile ducts (obstructive jaundice).
What Symptoms Can Occur With Jaundice?
- The whites of the eyes (sclera), the lining inside the mouth, and the skin may turn yellow. The urine may become dark yellow.
- In obstructive jaundice, the stool may become pale or clay-colored.
- Abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, and flu-like fever may occur.
Treatment of Jaundice
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For jaundice caused by hepatitis viruses such as hepatitis A, B, C, and E, supportive treatment may be needed. Specific antiviral medicines may be used for hepatitis B and C when indicated. For obstructive jaundice, the cause of the blockage must first be identified, followed by appropriate treatment.
How Is Jaundice Diagnosed?
Jaundice is diagnosed using:
- The patient's medical history.
- A physical examination.
- Laboratory and Other Tests:
- Serum bilirubin.
- Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALK.Phos)
- Prothrombin time (PT).
- Abdominal ultrasound.
- Appropriate tests for hepatitis viruses.
- Stool and urine tests.
- In some cases, a liver biopsy.
How Is Obstructive Jaundice Confirmed?
After the initial evaluation for obstructive jaundice, additional tests may be needed, such as:
- MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography).
- CT scan.
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography).
- Other specialized tests, depending on the suspected cause.
How Can Hepatitis-Related Jaundice Be Distinguished From Obstructive Jaundice?
With viral hepatitis, symptoms such as fever, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, and weakness are commonly seen and in many cases improve on their own with supportive care. In contrast, obstructive jaundice may gradually become more severe. Along with the symptoms mentioned above, the person may also develop severe itching, pale or clay-colored stools, and dark-colored urine.
What Should You Do If You Have Jaundice?
- Consult a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms of jaundice.
- Drink an adequate amount of water.
- Continue eating a normal, balanced diet unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Maintain your usual level of activity as tolerated.
What Should You Avoid If You Have Jaundice?
Avoid faith healing, ritual treatments, folk remedies, and other unscientific treatments. Such practices may delay proper diagnosis and treatment, allowing the underlying disease to worsen. Some unregulated treatments may also cause serious liver or kidney damage and can put your life at risk.
- Do not take any medicine without your doctor's advice.
- Do not force yourself to drink excessive amounts of water or coconut water.
- Avoid sugarcane juice prepared in unhygienic environments, such as roadside stalls, as well as other exposed or uncovered foods.
- Avoid excessive bed rest unless specifically recommended by your doctor.
Remember: Jaundice is not a disease by itself. It is a symptom of an underlying problem involving the blood, liver, bile ducts, pancreas, or other parts of the body. Identifying the correct cause and receiving appropriate treatment are essential.