Prescription: All about jaundice, its symptoms, causes

Every fortnight Dr Sunita Agarwal highlights a common, but often ignored, medical problem


What is jaundice?

Jaundice is a condition characterised by yellow discolouration of skin and white of the eye. It is usually associated with tiredness and fever depending on the cause and severity of the condition.

What are the causes of jaundice?

Liver diseases
Hepatitis a, b, c, d, e, g, x
Autoimmune hepatitis
Liver failure
Liver cirrhosis secondary to alcoholism or hepatitis
Hemolytic jaundice (blood disorder)
Hemolytic anaemia
Rh incompatibility in newborns or blood transfusion
Malaria
Obstructive jaundice
Bile duct obstruction
Gall stones
Infections like typhoid, leptospirosis,
Pancreatic diseases, snake venom

What are the symptoms of jaundice?

Yellow colouration of skin and eyes. Dark coloured or orange or red urine. Loss of appetite, bitter taste in mouth, furry tongue, pale foul smelling faeces,
lethargy, slow pulse and confusion.

What are the risk factors of contracting jaundice?

Lifestyle: inactivity, stress, diet, age
Behaviours: promiscuity, smoking, alcohol, drug abuse
Fatal four: obesity, cholestrol, diabetes, hypertension
Diseases: HIV, heart, cancer
Infection: animals, birds, insect bites, water contamination, travel
Medications: medicines, steroids.
Women's: pregnancy, childbirth, menopause.

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on the instigating factor for the jaundice. One should see a physician as soon as possible where a blood test will be advised including a total blood count, and liver function tests. A healthy diet low in fats including green leafy vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals should be followed.

— Dr Sunita Agarwal can be contacted on dr_Agarwal@vsnl.com or visit website www.agarwalhospitals.com