Jaundice
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Jaundice is a condition in which the skin, eyes, and urine turn yellow due to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment formed when old red blood cells break down. Normally, the liver processes and removes bilirubin, but jaundice occurs when:
- The liver cannot process bilirubin properly
- Excess bilirubin is produced
- Bile flow from the liver is blocked
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to address the underlying cause.
Types of Jaundice
Pre-Hepatic Jaundice:
- Caused by excess breakdown of red blood cells, increasing bilirubin production
Hepatic (Hepatocellular) Jaundice:
- Caused by liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis
Post-Hepatic (Obstructive) Jaundice:
- Caused by blockage of bile flow, commonly due to gallstones, strictures, or tumors in bile ducts
Causes of Jaundice
Pre-Hepatic Causes:
- Hemolytic anemia (Sickle cell anemia, Thalassemia, Hereditary spherocytosis)
- Infections (e.g., malaria)
- Genetic disorders (Gilbert’s syndrome)
Hepatic Causes:
- Viral hepatitis (A, B, C, E)
- Alcohol-related liver disease
- Drug-induced liver injury
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Advanced cirrhosis
Post-Hepatic Causes:
- Gallstones or cancer in the biliary tract
Diagnosis
Comprehensive evaluation includes:
- Blood tests: Liver function tests, clotting profile, viral markers, autoimmune markers
- Imaging: Ultrasound or CT scan to check bile duct obstruction and cirrhosis
- Blood cell tests: To evaluate red blood cell breakdown
Proper diagnosis is crucial to guide effective treatment.
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations
- Avoid alcohol completely, especially in liver-related jaundice
- Maintain a balanced diet with adequate calories, proteins, fruits, and vegetables
- Avoid very oily, unhygienic, or contaminated food
- Foods like turmeric, sugarcane juice, or yellow foods do not worsen jaundice
Herbal & Alternative Remedies
- Many herbal treatments are unproven and may cause drug-induced liver injury
- Jaundice should always be evaluated by a doctor
- Treatment should be medical and cause-specific
When is Liver Transplantation Needed?
- Severe jaundice does not always indicate liver failure
- Transplant may be required in cases of:
- Advanced cirrhosis
- Acute liver failure
- Early medical evaluation is crucial to prevent irreversible liver damage
Why Choose Our Jaundice Care Program
- Comprehensive diagnostic tests for accurate cause identification
- Personalized treatment plans for both acute and chronic cases
- Focus on recovery, liver health, and prevention of complications
Early evaluation and proper treatment can prevent serious liver complications and improve outcomes.
FAQ's
What is jaundice?
Yellowing of skin, eyes, and urine due to excess bilirubin in the blood.
Types of jaundice?
- Pre-hepatic: Excess red blood cell breakdown
- Hepatic: Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis)
- Post-hepatic: Obstruction of bile flow (gallstones, tumors)
Causes?
Hemolytic anemia, infections, viral hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, gallstones, bile duct cancer.
How is jaundice diagnosed?
Blood tests (liver function, clotting profile), viral and autoimmune markers, imaging (ultrasound, CT).
What diet restrictions are needed?
Avoid alcohol; maintain a balanced diet. No need to avoid turmeric, sugarcane juice, or yellow foods.
Can herbs treat jaundice?
Most herbal remedies are not scientifically proven and may be harmful. Treatment should be medical and cause-specific.
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