Jaundice is a medical term that is usually characterized by yellowish discolouration of the skin, mucous membranes, and the white part of the eye due to aggravated bilirubin levels in the blood causing hyperbilirubinemia. Considered more like an underlying symptom than a disease, jaundice can easily occur due to an inflamed liver or obstructed bile duct.
Also Read: Jaundice: Learn What Causes The Disease In Children And Adults
The term ‘jaundice’ comes from the French word ‘jaun’ which means yellow. In normal conditions, the liver metabolizes and excretes the bilirubin in the form of bile. Bilirubin is defined as the by-product of the daily natural breakdown and destruction of red blood cells in the body. But in a diseased condition, if there is a blockage or disruption in the normal production or metabolism of bilirubin, it can lead to jaundice.
Causes
Jaundice can occur due to several reasons. To understand the correct form of jaundice, one should first acknowledge the problem which causes disruption in the production of bilirubin.
Pre-Hepatic:
This kind of Jaundice can occur when there in rapid destruction and breakdown of red blood cells, generally due to haemolysis that prevents the ability of the liver to remove the excess bilirubin from the blood. This type of jaundice occurs due to diseases like Thalassemia, Spherocytosis, Malaria, Sickle cell crisis, autoimmune disorders, drugs or other toxins.
Hepatic:
In this case, jaundice occurs due to the malfunctioning of the liver or its ability to metabolise and excrete bilirubin. It occurs due to diseases like Cirrhosis, Hepatitis, Gilbert’s syndrome, Crigler-Najjar syndrome, drugs or other toxic substances.
Post-Hepatic:
Also termed as Obstructive Jaundice, here, Jaundice occurs when there is an anomaly that causes an interruption in the normal drainage of conjugated bilirubin in the form of bile from the liver to the intestines. This occurs due to diseased conditions like pancreatitis, strictures of the bile duct, gallstones in the bile duct, cholangitis, congenital malformations, parasitic invasion, pregnancy, cancerous tumours in the stomach, pancreas, gall bladder or bile duct.
Newborn Jaundice:
New-born jaundice is quite common and often considered as a normal psychological consequence as a result of the new-borns immature liver. But if it is not treated on time, the bilirubin levels might elevate and lead to other health anomalies and also cause life-threatening brain damage known as kernicterus. It mostly occurs due to psychological jaundice, breast milk jaundice, maternal foetal blood group incompatibility, cephalohematoma, and breastfeeding jaundice.
Also Read: New-born Jaundice: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Symptoms
The common symptoms of jaundice usually include a yellowish or brownish-orange tinge of skin, eyes, body fluids like urine and stool. Other signs and symptoms due to the causative factors include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Fever and chills
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- General debility
- Headache
- Confusion
- Swelling of the legs and abdomen
- Weight Loss
- Skin Itching
Diagnosis And Treatment
The doctor usually does a thorough physical check-up of the skin and eyes and acknowledge the patient’s past medical history to understand the type and cause of jaundice. The doctor may also perform a series of tests including:
- Liver blood tests like Bilirubin test, to measure the amount of bilirubin in your blood,
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Blood tests to check lipase levels
- Electrolyte panel
- Urine test
- Other Liver tests
- Imaging techniques like ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, Cholescintigraphy, and Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to analyse the condition of the liver and bile ducts.
- In certain chronic conditions, a biopsy is also done to check for cancerous cells.
Treatment
Treatment options for jaundice basically depend upon the causative factor i.e. the underlying conditions and complications related to it. In acute cases, the patient can get well with a few medications and rest at home. Other conditions may ask for treatment with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and blood transfusions. In severe chronic conditions, the doctor may even call for surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will jaundice last in adults?
Jaundice in adults typically lasts from a few weeks to several months, depending on the underlying cause and treatment.
What is the best treatment for jaundice in adults?
The best treatment for jaundice depends on its cause and may include addressing liver disease, medication, or dietary changes.
Is jaundice an emergency in adults?
Jaundice can be an emergency if it is sudden, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like confusion or bleeding, requiring immediate medical attention.
What is the cause of jaundice in adults?
Jaundice in adults is often caused by liver dysfunction, bile duct obstruction, or hemolytic anaemia, leading to elevated bilirubin levels.
What is the danger stage of jaundice?
The danger stage of jaundice is when bilirubin levels become extremely high, potentially indicating severe liver damage or other critical conditions.
What not to eat in jaundice?
In jaundice, it's advisable to avoid fatty, fried, and processed foods, as well as alcohol, to reduce liver strain.
Which fruit is good for jaundice?
Fruits like apples, pears, and citrus fruits are good for jaundice due to their detoxifying properties and high vitamin content.
How to reduce bilirubin quickly?
Reducing bilirubin quickly involves treating the underlying cause of jaundice, staying hydrated, and possibly using medications as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Which tablet is best for jaundice?
The choice of medication for jaundice depends on the underlying cause and should be determined by a healthcare provider.
Can I drink milk in jaundice?
Milk can generally be consumed in moderation during jaundice, but it's best to avoid high-fat dairy products to reduce liver strain.
How to recover from jaundice fast?
Recovering from jaundice quickly involves treating the root cause, following a liver-friendly diet, and adhering to medical advice.
Is banana good for jaundice?
Bananas are good for jaundice as they are easy to digest and provide essential nutrients that support liver health.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile
Soumita Basu:
Soumita Basu holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy and is keenly interested in Ayurveda, home remedies, yoga, fitness, diagnostics, and beauty. With nearly 6 years of experience, she produces evidence-based health content, including articles, videos, and infographics, to provide valuable insights to her audience.
References:
1. JaundiceAuthors: Abel Joseph; Hrishikesh Samant.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544252/
2. Brief overview of Jaundice and its Current treatment optionsSeptember 2023International Journal of Pharmaceutics and Drug Analysis
DOI:10.47957/ijpda.v11i3.556
LicenseCC BY-NC 4.0
Authors: Yash Srivastav, Akhandnath Prajapat
