Symptoms of Jaundice

Jaundice refers to a condition in which conditions like yellow discolouration of the skin, sclera (whites of the eyes), and other mucous membranes are caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the human blood and body tissues. There are many symptoms of jaundice in adults. Jaundice symptoms in adults include yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, pale stools, and itchy skin. The starting symptoms of jaundice in adults are visible skin yellowing and the whites of the eyes. There are different types of jaundice, like pre-hepatic (hemolytic), hepatic (hepatocellular), and post-hepatic (obstructive).

Jaundice is characterised by the yellowing of the human skin and the whites of the eyes because of the accumulation of a yellow pigment called bilirubin in the blood. Other symptoms include dark urine, fatigue, pale stools, itching, and abdominal pain. Jaundice causes include liver disease, bile duct obstructions, and more red blood cell breakdown. White jaundice symptoms include the whites of the eyes. Let’s discuss Jaundice symptoms, causes and treatments.

Introduction

Diagnosing the symptoms of Jaundice as soon as possible is significant because it helps with the right Treatment and prevents any further risks. A primary symptom of Jaundice is usually the Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, which is seen between the second and fourth days after birth in a child and could persist for some weeks. To identify jaundice symptoms, a medical professional may order a bilirubin blood test. But, finding the symptoms at home is also possible. Jaundice in newborns is a global issue, with an estimated 1.1 million babies developing severe hyperbilirubinemia every year, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

You can check for jaundice symptoms at home simply by looking for Yellowing of the skin, whites of the eyes, and changes in urine and stool colour. You can seek medical professional advice if you suspect Jaundice.

Jaundice Symptoms

There are several Jaundice symptoms that help diagnose an individual who is affected by Jaundice.

What are the symptoms of Jaundice?

1) Symptoms in Adults

Fatigue
Pain in the upper right abdomen
Fever
Loss of appetite
Joint pain
Unusual weight loss
Nausea or vomiting
Bruising or bleeding easily

2) Symptoms in Newborns

Yellowing of the skin and eyes
Pale stools
Dark yellow urine
Sleepiness
Poor feeding
Fussiness
Fewer wet and dirty diapers

What is Jaundice?

Jaundice is a health condition that leads to the Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes turning yellow. It is also called icterus or hyperbilirubinemia.

Signs of Jaundice

Jaundice is a health condition that causes Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Some medications help treat the underlying cause of Jaundice, once the signs are visible. Medications such as cholestyramine may help with itching, and phototherapy (light therapy) is used for newborns, not in adults, to simply break down bilirubin.

Black jaundice symptoms include Yellowing of the skin and eyes, fatigue, and abdominal pain. It is also called acute hepatic necrosis.
Liver jaundice symptoms include skin and eyes yellowing caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. It is also called icterus.
White jaundice symptoms include pale skin and eyes, fatigue, weakness, and abdominal pain.

Causes of Jaundice

Jaundice could be caused by a number of reasons, like liver disease, infections, blood disorders, and certain medications. Though Jaundice itself is not contagious, its underlying conditions, like viral hepatitis, can be contagious.

Risk Factors of Jaundice

Jaundice could be caused by a number of possible risk factors. The risk factors of Jaundice are :

Premature Birth: As fast as full-term babies, Premature babies might not process bilirubin.
Birth Injuries: Higher levels of bilirubin can result because of bruising during delivery.
Breastfeeding: Breastfed babies who have difficulty in nursing or getting sufficient nutrition might be at higher complications.
Blood Type: If the baby and mother's blood types are not the same, the baby may have Jaundice.
Medications: Some drugs, like an overdose of acetaminophen, can lead to Jaundice.
Liver disease: A few Liver diseases like Hepatitis infections, cirrhosis, and liver cancer can lead to Jaundice.
Gallbladder Problems: Some Gallbladder Problems, like Gallstones and cholecystitis, can result in Jaundice.
Genetic disorders: A few Genetic disorders, like Gilbert's syndrome and Crigler-Najjar syndrome, can result in Jaundice.
Hemolytic anaemia: A blood disorder called Hemolytic Anemia can result in Jaundice.
Alcohol consumption: More alcohol consumption can result in Jaundice.
Other conditions: Some conditions like pregnancy, sepsis, and hypoperfusion states can result in Jaundice.

Types of Jaundice

There are many types of Jaundice, like Prehepatic Jaundice, Hepatic, Posthepatic and Neonatal Jaundice. Let's discuss them briefly here.

1. Prehepatic Jaundice
When the liver has excess bilirubin due to an increased breakdown of Red blood cells (hemolysis), Pre-hepatic Jaundice occurs.
2. Hepatic Jaundice
When the liver is unable to properly process or excrete bilirubin because of liver damage or dysfunction, then the Hepatic Jaundice occur.
3. Posthepatic Jaundice (Obstructive Jaundice)
When the flow of bile-containing bilirubin is blocked, it leads to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. This results in Posthepatic Jaundice.
4. Neonatal Jaundice
Neonatal Jaundice can be due to the liver's immaturity or because of conditions such as hemolytic disease of the newborn, infections, or other liver problems.

Treatment for Jaundice

Jaundice is usually treated depending on the underlying causes. So, there is no specific medicine for Jaundice. Treatment at the correct time is necessary to prevent more complications.

Phototherapy is the very common Treatment for newborn Jaundice, after the starting symptoms of Jaundice is visible. Exchange transfusion, Frequent feeding, and Treatment of underlying conditions are the other treatments for Jaundice in babies. The symptoms of Jaundice in adults is treated by treating the underlying conditions.

Foods to Eat in Jaundice

Certain foods are needed to be taken during Jaundice. This is because a diet having liver-friendly foods such as fruits, vegetables, and proteins help lower the strain on the liver, helps in detoxification, and can enhance faster recovery.

Foods to Avoid during Jaundice

When you have Jaundice, some foods, like foods that are high in fat, sugar, salt, and caffeine, must be avoided. This is because these foods can make your liver work harder and worsen your symptoms.

Jaundice Medications

Let's discuss jaundice medications that are used to treat Jaundice.

1) Medications to suppress the Underlying Cause

Underlying Cause	Used Medicine Names/ Procedure Name	Chemical Formula/ Process Involved
Hepatitis (viral or autoimmune)	Antiviral medications or immunosuppressants	1. Antiviral medications (Acyclovir - C8H11N5O3) 2. Immunosuppressants (Azathioprine - C9H7N7O2S)
Gallstones blocking the bile duct	Surgery to remove the gallbladder or the gallstones	Nil
Anaemia, Some cancers, or Infections	Treatment depends on the conditions	Nil

2) Medications to Manage Symptoms

Cause	Used Medicine Names	Chemical Formula
Itching	Cholestyramine	C27H47ClN2
Itching	Colestipol	C8H24ClN5
Malaria	Anti-malarial medications like artesunate	C19H28O8
Malaria	Artemether	C16H26O5

Use only the medicines prescribed by the doctor if you have Jaundice. Do not self-medicate on your own.

3. Special Treatments

Treatment methods	Process	How is it used?
Phototherapy	This uses blue or white light to break down bilirubin.	Used for newborns with Jaundice.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG)	Helps reduce Jaundice in newborns.	It is used if the Jaundice is caused by rhesus disease.
Exchange Transfusion	An exchange transfusion of blood may be necessary.	Used in rare cases of severe jaundice.
Liver Transplant	A Liver transplant might be necessary.	Used in cases of severe liver damage or failure,

Recovery time for Jaundice

Depending on the type and severity of the Jaundice, and if it's due to a liver problem, the recovery time for Jaundice differs.

Mild Jaundice: Generally goes up in 1–2 weeks.
Moderate Jaundice: It may take 2–4 weeks for recovery.
Severe Jaundice: It may take some months to improve, particularly if it's due to a severe liver problem.
Newborn Jaundice: Generally recovered within 10–14 days.

How to Prevent Jaundice?

In general, one can prevent Jaundice by following a few procedures, like maintaining a healthy liver, avoiding alcohol, and practising good hygiene.

How is Jaundice Diagnosed?

Jaundice is generally diagnosed by undergoing some medical tests, like a physical examination and blood tests that measure bilirubin levels.

Conclusion

Early symptoms of Jaundice in adults include Yellowing of the skin and eyes. As per studies, in India Punjab, Rajasthan, and northern and northeastern regions (such as Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam) have higher rate of Jaundice. Jaundice symptoms in Hindi-speaking states due to Hepatitis A and E are prevalent. Jaundice symptoms in Tamil Nadu are often found due to underlying conditions like liver or blood disorders. Jaundice symptoms in Telugu people were seen due to liver problems, gallstones, and tumours.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of Jaundice will help in prompt treatment process. A mother must find out the symptoms of Jaundice in newborn, so that she can help her baby get faster recovery.

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FAQ

1. What causes Jaundice in adults?

In adults, Jaundice is caused by a number of possible reasons, like liver disease, infections, genetic conditions, and some medications.

2. What not to eat during Jaundice?

When you have Jaundice, you must avoid foods like fatty foods, fried foods, and alcohol, which can strain your liver.

3. What is the first stage of Jaundice?

The first stage of Jaundice is the Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.

4. Which fruit is best for Jaundice?

Fruits that are best for Jaundice are apples, bananas, berries, melons, citrus fruits, papayas, and pomegranates.

5. Does sunlight help Jaundice?

It is not recommended to put your infant under sunlight, as it may not be a safer way of treating Jaundice.

6. Can vitamin D drops help with Jaundice?

There is no evidence to tell that Vitamin D drops directly treat or prevent Jaundice, though vitamin D is usually recommended for newborns and it can be beneficial for overall health.

7. Is roti good for Jaundice?

Whole Wheat chapati can included in a jaundice diet, but you must avoid including more oil or ghee.

8. What are the signs of recovery from Jaundice?

The signs of recovery from Jaundice include improved skin colour, improved feeding, regular stools, improved sleep, and lowered bilirubin levels.

9. Which tablet is best for Jaundice?

Tablets like Barbita, luminal, neuronal elixir, sk-phenobarbital and Solfoton are best for Jaundice.