Introduction:

Jaundice is a very common condition that affects people of all ages but it is not well understood by many. It thus becomes important to know what jaundice is, its causes, symptoms and how one can treat it. In this piece let’s delve into the details and address some misconceptions about this condition.

Understanding Jaundice

What Causes Jaundice?

When bilirubin builds up in the blood, jaundice develops. Bilirubin which is a yellow pigment forms when red blood cells break down. The liver usually metabolizes bilirubin before excreting it into bile. Nonetheless, if something wrong goes on here and bilirubin accumulates then there will be a yellowing of the skin together with other parts such as the eyes or mucous membranes.

How Jaundice Occurs in the Body

The liver manages bilirubin levels. When red blood cells die, they release bilirubin into the bloodstream. Bilirubin is filtered by the liver and then changed to a different form that can be passed in stool and urine. Problems can occur at any point during this process leading to jaundice.

What are the types of Jaundice?

Pre-Hepatic Jaundice
It occurs before the liver processes bilirubin. This is usually caused by conditions that lead to excessive breakdown of red blood cells such as hemolytic anemia.

Hepatic Jaundice
When the liver itself is diseased or damaged and cannot effectively treat bilirubin, it leads to hepatic jaundice. Major causes are hepatitis, cirrhosis and other diseases affecting the liver.

Post-Hepatic Jaundice
This type happens when there has been processing of bilirubin by the liver. It results from blockages in bile ducts that prevent excretion of bilirubin. Most common culprits include gallstones and tumors.

What are the symptoms or signs of Jaundice

Visible Signs of Jaundice
The most notable mark of jaundice is that the skin and eyes turn yellow. It becomes yellow due to bilirubin which has a yellow color and when its concentration in blood reaches high levels it tinges the skin and eyes.

Other Common Symptoms
Besides turning yellow, there are other symptoms such as dark urine, light colored stools, itchiness, tiredness, and pain in the abdomen. These are caused by what made you develop jaundice or an overflow of bilirubin in your system.

Symptoms in Different Age Group
Adults may have symptoms like yellowness of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine and pale stools. Newborns can be diagnosed with jaundice if they have these symptoms: a yellowing of their eyes and parts of their bodies; feeding difficulties; abnormal sleepiness or lethargy.

Diagnosing Jaundice

Medical History and Physical Examination Diagnosis begins with taking a detailed medical history for your doctor to familiarize himself with your case then a physical examination follows. Your doctor will look for signs of liver disease in addition to asking questions about the manifestations you have had so far and any possible links between them.

Laboratory Tests Blood tests form the basis of diagnosis for this condition since they show how much bilirubin is present as well as how well your liver is functioning. Should the results indicate high levels of bilirubin in the blood test, this confirms that jaundice exists.

Jaundice can be diagnosed through imaging tests using ultrasound, CT scans or MRI machines which help identify liver damage/blockages causing this condition. They produce clear pictures of bile ducts plus liver.

What are the causes of jaundice?

Liver Related Diseases like Hepatitis or Cirrhosis: These situations inflict harm on the liver that leads to impeded functioning of bilirubin metabolism. Hepatitis stands for liver inflammation typically caused by a virus; cirrhosis is an advanced stage of scarring (fibrosis) on the liver due to heavy alcohol consumption or chronic viral hepatitis.

Obstruction of Bile Ducts Due to Gallstones: When solid particles become hard and form in the gallbladder, they are referred to as gallstones. If these stones shift into the bile ducts and obstruct their passage, then it means bilirubin cannot be excreted — a situation that results in jaundice.

An Abnormal Acceleration in Bilirubin Production: There are times when there is an abnormal acceleration in the production of bilirubin because red blood cells tend to break down much faster than usual— such that more bilirubin is produced than the liver can handle effectively. Conditions like sickle cell anemia or certain infections may cause this to happen.

Jaundice Prevention

Healthy Eating: The liver is protected by consuming a balanced diet that includes many fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Fatty and fried foods should be avoided.

No Alcohol: Alcohol can harm your liver if you drink too much. Reduce or eliminate drinking alcoholic drinks.

Drink Plenty of Water: Water helps to improve the function of your liver and removes toxins from your body.

Immunization: At least for two such liver infections as hepatitis A and B there are available vaccines.

Routine Check-ups: Going for regular medical check-ups can help identify any liver problems early before they become serious.

Exercise Often: Regular physical activities keep weight at healthy levels and thus reduce fat in the liver.

Jaundice in Newborns

The Reason Babies Get Jaundice
Underdeveloped Liver: Newborns, especially those that are born too early, have livers that are not fully developed and this liver's inability to process and excrete bile is why jaundice occurs.

Increased Red Blood Cell Breakdown: Newborns break down more red blood cells compared to adults so, in newborns, more bilirubin is created.

Breastfeeding Concerns: Sometimes newborns don't get enough milk during the first few days of life and this could cause dehydration and, in turn, a rise in bilirubin levels.

How to Treat Newborn Jaundice

Light Therapy: Newborns are exposed to blue lights that break down the bilirubin in their skin over time.

Fluids: Infants should receive breast milk as often as feasible to keep them hydrated and allow for more stooling which removes additional bilirubin.

Blood Transfusion: In severe cases, infants may receive i.e. exchange, blood to lower bilirubin levels rapidly.

Check Bilirubin: Bilirubin levels will be monitored by doctors to ensure the baby does not have excessively high bilirubin levels and to make adjustments as needed.

Conclusion:

Understanding jaundice, its symptoms, causes, and treatments is crucial for effective management and prevention. By recognizing the signs early, individuals can seek appropriate medical intervention to prevent complications. Maintaining liver health through a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and regular check-ups is essential for adults. Awareness and proactive measures are key to managing this common condition and ensuring overall well-being.

Frequently Asked questions

Can Jaundice Be Avoided?
Yes, adopting a lifestyle can often help prevent jaundice. This includes following a diet limiting alcohol intake, staying well hydrated and receiving vaccinations for diseases, like hepatitis to lower the risk of developing jaundice.

Is Jaundice Contagious?
No jaundice itself cannot be passed from one person to another. However if an infectious illness like hepatitis causes the jaundice symptoms that particular infection may be contagious.

How Long Does Jaundice Typically Last?
The duration of jaundice varies depending on its root cause. In newborns it usually resolves within days to a couple of weeks. In adults it may persist for a duration and necessitates treatment based on the root cause.

Can Your Diet Influence Jaundice?
Certainly your diet can impact jaundice. Maintaining a diet promotes liver function, which plays a role in preventing and managing jaundice. It is essential to steer clear of alcohol and fatty foods for the well being of the liver.

Do Jaundice Have Effects?
The duration of jaundice varies depending on its root cause. In newborns it usually resolves within days to a couple of weeks. In adults it may persist for a duration and necessitates treatment based on the root cause.