What is Jaundice?

If you have ever wondered what jaundice is, you’re not alone. If you’re wondering if your baby may have it, you’re not alone. There are many factors to consider, from causes to treatment. Knowing what symptoms to look for and how to prevent them from recurring is essential.

Symptoms

A patient with jaundice may experience several symptoms, including itching, pain, and dark urine. These symptoms vary depending on the type of jaundice and its underlying cause. In short-term jaundice, which may be a side effect of an infection, the patient will have a fever, chills, and abdominal pain. It may also cause weight loss. Symptoms of jaundice may also be associated with pancreatic or bile duct cancer.

Depending on the type of jaundice, treatment will vary. Certain cases are mild and treatable with over-the-counter medications, but others require more advanced treatment. A physician may order an abdominal ultrasound to rule out serious conditions. In severe cases, a doctor may suggest surgery or other medical procedures.

The leading cause of jaundice is bilirubin. In newborns, the liver can’t process bilirubin efficiently. As a result, bilirubin levels will rise. Fortunately, jaundice often clears up after a few weeks or months. But if jaundice persists for a prolonged period, a doctor may recommend formula feeding.

Causes

Jaundice can be a life-threatening illness or a symptom of an underlying illness. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and the speed of disease onset. Acute illnesses usually result from an infection and may accompany a fever, chills, and abdominal pain. Patients may be less concerned about skin color changes if they do not experience flu-like symptoms. However, patients with jaundice should always be checked for these symptoms.

Newborn jaundice is a common condition, affecting around twenty percent of term babies. The leading cause of infant jaundice is an immature hepatic conjugation process. Other causes include congenital disorders, hemolysis, and defective bilirubin uptake. However, newborn jaundice is typically harmless and temporary. In children, it’s more common to be caused by viral infections like hepatitis A. In the elderly, it can be caused by bile duct stones or drug-induced liver disease.

Bilirubin is a waste product produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. The liver then filters bilirubin and excretes it in the urine. However, too much bilirubin can build up in the body and cause jaundice. Hyperbilirubinemia is caused by the liver failing to excrete excess bilirubin. Treatment will depend on the underlying condition.

Treatments

Jaundice treatments vary according to the underlying medical condition. Some causes include gallstones, a blocked bile duct, or pancreatic cancer. Your health care practitioner can provide dietary advice and prescribe specific medications to treat your condition. If the cause is unclear, your health care practitioner can perform a liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

If the bilirubin level is high, your doctor may recommend an exchange blood transfusion. This procedure replaces the baby’s blood with blood from a donor with no bilirubin. This treatment may require several sessions. Those with persistent jaundice may also need treatments, including multiple light sources and fiber optic blankets.

Jaundice is a condition that results in a yellowing of the skin and eyes. It’s a relatively common problem among newborns, affecting about 60 percent of all infants. It can be mild or severe and cause developmental delays or even death. If left untreated, it can also signal a severe blood disorder.

Prevention

The prevention of jaundice begins with avoiding certain types of food and alcohol. People who have jaundice should stay away from fried and heavy foods. They should also avoid excessive alcohol consumption. A healthy diet and exercise are essential to avoid jaundice. Drinking plenty of water is also recommended to prevent the condition.

Several tests can be performed to determine whether a liver disorder or other factors cause jaundice. Blood tests will reveal whether the liver is inflamed or not. A doctor will also look for liver tumors. The doctor will also perform a physical examination and confirm the results of bilirubin levels. A doctor may recommend d liver biopsy if jaundice is due to a severe medical condition.

If the condition is caught early, ayurvedic medicines can help lessen the severity of jaundice. In addition, these medicines effectively reduce the effects of different types of jaundice. Jaundice is a condition that occurs when the hemolysis rate is higher than usual and bilirubin levels are abnormally high. It can cause fever, abdominal pain, and itchiness.