JAUNDICE

 

Introduction

Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of your eyes. It can be caused by several different conditions, including hepatitis, pancreatic cancer, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), and gallstones. Most cases of jaundice are not serious and do not require medical treatment unless they become very severe or start causing problems like difficulty swallowing or breathing

 

The yellow color in jaundice comes from bilirubin. Bilirubin is a chemical produced by the normal breakdown of red blood cells in the body and stored in the gallbladder, which is then released into your small intestine when food is digested.

 

 

Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes that occurs when there are too many bilirubin molecules in your bloodstream. Bilirubin is a waste product of red blood cells that get broken down by the liver.

CAUSES OF JAUNDICE:

Jaundice can be caused by:

●     Hepatitis (liver inflammation)

●     Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)

●     Pancreatic cancer

●     Gall stone

 

Most cases of jaundice are not serious. However, it is important to see your doctor if you develop jaundice to make sure that a serious disease is not causing the problem.

Contact your doctor immediately if you have jaundice that lasts longer than 2 weeks. You may need treatment for an underlying medical condition or another type of illness (like hepatitis).

 

Jaundice is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in your system. Bilirubin is a chemical produced by the normal breakdown of red blood cells in the body, which can be especially problematic if you have jaundice.

Jaundice occurs when too much bilirubin is circulating in your body and it doesn't break down properly before reaching its destination: the liver. This causes jaundice (yellowing), which can cause some people to feel sickly or tired during this period—but don't worry! You'll get better once you're rid of this pesky condition

SYMPTOMS;

Jaundice may occasionally go unnoticed by the patient until it is discovered by accident. The underlying reasons and how fast or slow the disease progresses determine the symptoms' severity.

The following symptoms and indicators could be present if you have short-term jaundice, which is typically brought on by an infection:

Fever.

Chills.

abdominal discomfort

influenza-like symptoms.

Skin tone modification.

feces or urine that is a dark clay color.

If an infection is not the source of your jaundice, you may experience symptoms including weight loss or itchy skin (pruritus). Abdominal discomfort is the most typical symptom of pancreatic or biliary tract malignancies are the cause of jaundice. 

DIAGNOSIS:

When diagnosing jaundice, medical professionals look for indicators of liver illness like:

1) the skin getting bruised.

2) Insect angiomas (abnormal collection of blood vessels near the surface of the skin).

3) Redness on the palms (red coloration of the palms and fingertips).

Conjugated jaundice is indicated by a positive bilirubin result from a urine test, or urine analysis. Serum tests should be used to corroborate the results of the urinalysis. The complete blood count (CBC) and bilirubin levels will be part of the serum testing.

The size and tenderness of your liver will also be assessed during an examination by your doctor. To further confirm the diagnosis, he or she may employ imaging techniques including liver biopsies and computer tomographic (CT) scanning (ultrasonography and CT scanning, respectively).

TREATMENT:

With adults, jaundice typically doesn't need treatment (in neonates, it can be a far more serious issue). Treatment options exist for both jaundice's causes and consequences. For instance, cholestyramine (Questran®), which is used to treat itching, may make it less unpleasant.

COMPLICATIONS:

• Constipation.
• Bloating.
• Stomach pain.
• Gas.
• Upset stomach.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.

 PREVENTION:

Providing specific preventive actions for jaundice is challenging because of numerous causes. Voici a few general pointers:

1) Avert contracting hepatitis.

2) Observe the prescribed alcohol intake limitations.

3) keep a healthy weight.

4) controlling your cholesterol

HOME REMEDIES:

1. Natural sunshine for newborn jaundice: Neonate jaundice may benefit from natural sunlight. The broad spectrum of sunlight contains the region that can absorb bilirubin. Phototherapy for neonatal jaundice might be replaced with exposure to natural sunlight. 

2. Dietary Restrictions: Cooked rice or porridge without salt and tamarind is advised during the acute phases of jaundice. Avoid using ghee, oil, and spices if you have jaundice. Additionally, non-vegetarian meals ought to be avoided. Vegetables served with meals may not be seasoned or tempered.

3. Sugarcane Juice: Sugarcane juice may help treat jaundice and maintain healthy bilirubin levels. Sugarcane juice is beneficial for liver conditions. The sugarcane is thoroughly cleansed before the outer layer is removed to make sugarcane juice. The juice and extract from the sugarcane are then removed after it has been chopped into pieces. Squeeze the extract to squeeze out any juice that may be left. 

4. Papaya Leaves: Papaya leaves contain enzymes like papain that may be used to treat jaundice. To make a paste from the chopped papaya leaves, use a mortar and pestle to grind the leaves. It can be eaten with honey added to it.

5. Black cumin: Jeera is the traditional name for black cumin. Jaundice may be treated using black cumin's phytoconstituents. You can ingest black cumin after it has been lightly toasted and crushed. 

6. Mint: Mint, also referred to as pudina can treat jaundice. Folk medicine claims that mint tea can treat jaundice. To treat jaundice, mint leaf juice is combined with honey and then ingested. 

Conclusion

Jaundice is a condition that occurs in newborns and can be serious, but it is not usually life-threatening. If you have jaundice and are worried about your baby's health, please talk with your doctor as soon as possible.