What is Jaundice?

Jaundice is a condition in which the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes turn yellow. This is caused by a high level of bilirubin, a yellow-orange bile pigment. Bilirubin is formed from the breakdown of red blood cells.

Symptoms 

The most common symptom of jaundice is yellowing of the skin and eyes. Other symptoms may include:

• Dark urine
• Light-colored stools
• Itchy skin
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain in the upper right abdomen
• Fever
• Easy bruising
• Bleeding gums

Causes 

There are many different causes of jaundice, including:

• Liver diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or cancer
• Gallbladder diseases, such as gallstones or cholecystitis
• Pancreatitis
• Anemia
• Sickle cell disease
• Thalassemia
• Medications, such as certain antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs
• Infections, such as malaria or typhoid fever
• Inborn errors of metabolism, such as Gilbert’s syndrome or Crigler-Najjar syndrome

Treatment for Jaundice

The treatment for jaundice depends on the underlying cause. For example, if jaundice is caused by liver disease, the treatment may include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery. If jaundice is caused by gallstones, the treatment may include surgery to remove the gallstones.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience any of the symptoms of jaundice, it is important to see a doctor right away. Jaundice can be a sign of a serious medical condition, such as liver disease or cancer.

How to Prevent 

There are some things you can do to help prevent jaundice, such as:

• Getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B
• Avoiding alcohol
• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting regular exercise
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Not smoking
• Avoiding sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia

If you have any concerns about your risk of jaundice, be sure to talk to your doctor. Consult the best gastroenterologist for Jaundice treatment in Indore.