JAUNDICE

Here's a bit more detail on some of these symptoms:

• Yellowish Pigmentation of the Skin and Eyes: This is the most recognisable and characteristic symptom of jaundice. It occurs when bilirubin accumulates in the body's tissues, including the skin and the whites of the eyes.

• Dark Urine: Elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood can lead to the excretion of dark, tea-coloured urine. This happens when excess bilirubin is processed by the kidneys and eliminated in the urine.

• Fever: In some cases, jaundice may be associated with an underlying infection or liver condition, leading to fever as an accompanying symptom.

• Abdominal Pain and Swelling: Jaundice can occur due to various underlying causes, some of which may involve liver inflammation or obstruction of the bile ducts. This can lead to abdominal discomfort, pain, or swelling.

• Lethargy: Jaundice can be associated with a feeling of tiredness and lethargy, which may be due to the underlying condition or the body's response to the build-up of bilirubin.

• Pale Stools: When bilirubin cannot flow properly from the liver to the intestines, it can cause pale or clay-coloured stools. Normally, bilirubin contributes to the brown colour of stools.

The main types of jaundice include: 

• Prehepatic Jaundice: Also known as haemolytic jaundice, this type of jaundice occurs when there is an excessive breakdown of red blood cells (haemolysis). It can result from conditions like haemolytic anaemia, sickle cell disease, or blood transfusion reactions.

• Hepatic Jaundice: This type of jaundice is caused by diseases or conditions that affect the liver's ability to process bilirubin. Common causes include:

Viral hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B, C, etc.), alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), drug-induced liver injury and liver cirrhosis.

• Posthepatic Jaundice: Also known as obstructive jaundice, this type occurs when there is a blockage in the bile ducts, preventing the flow of bile from the liver to the intestine. Bile contains bilirubin, and the blockage causes a build-up of bilirubin in the blood. Common causes include: Gallstones obstructing the bile ducts, bile duct inflammation (cholangitis), pancreatic cancer, bile duct tumours.

• Neonatal Jaundice: Neonatal jaundice, also known as physiological or new-born jaundice, is a common condition that occurs in new-born babies. It is characterised by the yellowing of a baby's skin and eyes within a few days after birth. Neonatal jaundice is caused by an increased level of bilirubin in the baby's blood, which is a normal consequence of the breakdown of foetal red blood cells. In most cases, neonatal jaundice is mild and resolves on its own within a few weeks. 

• Intrahepatic Jaundice: Intrahepatic jaundice is a type of jaundice that occurs due to a problem within the liver itself. Intrahepatic jaundice is characterised by impaired liver function, leading to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Causes of intrahepatic jaundice include liver diseases such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, and drug-induced liver injury.

The causes of jaundice can be broadly categorised into:

• Severe Liver Disease: Conditions like cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, or viral hepatitis (e.g., hepatitis B or C) can damage the liver, impairing its ability to process bilirubin effectively and leading to jaundice.

• Excessive Drug Use: An overdose or prolonged use of certain medications, especially those metabolised by the liver, can overwhelm the liver's capacity and result in jaundice. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is one such example.

• Congenital Defects or Diseases: Some individuals may have congenital conditions or genetic disorders that affect the liver's function, leading to jaundice from birth.

• Infections: Viral infections of the liver, such as hepatitis, can cause inflammation and damage to the liver cells, interfering with bilirubin processing.

• Gallstones or Gallbladder Disorders: When gallstones block the bile ducts or if there are issues with the gallbladder, it can prevent the proper flow of bile and lead to jaundice.

• Blood Disorders: Conditions that increase the breakdown of red blood cells (haemolysis) can release excess bilirubin into the bloodstream, overwhelming the liver's ability to clear it.

• Pancreatic Cancer: Cancer affecting the pancreas can sometimes obstruct the bile duct, leading to jaundice.

• Pregnancy-Related Jaundice: In some pregnant individuals, pressure on the abdominal area can affect the bile flow, resulting in jaundice during pregnancy.

• Problems with the Liver, Gallbladder, or Pancreas: Any structural or functional issues with these organs can disrupt the bilirubin processing and cause jaundice.

• Accumulation of Bilirubin: When bilirubin accumulates at a high rate, it can overwhelm the liver's capacity to excrete it, leading to jaundice.

• Haemolysis: Increased breakdown of red blood cells can release excess bilirubin, contributing to jaundice.

• Overloaded or Damaged Liver: Conditions that damage the liver or overload it with bilirubin, such as Gilbert's syndrome, can result in jaundice.

Specific treatment approaches will depend on the underlying cause of the jaundice. Here's a bit more detail on some of these treatment options:

• Iron Supplementation: If the cause of jaundice is related to conditions like haemolysis or anaemia, increasing iron intake or using iron supplements may help address the underlying issue.

• Antiviral Treatments: In cases where viral hepatitis (e.g., hepatitis B or C) is responsible for jaundice, antiviral medications may be prescribed to manage and control the viral infection, ultimately reducing liver inflammation and bilirubin levels.

• Antioxidants: Antioxidants, such as vitamin E and vitamin C, may be used to protect liver cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, which can occur in various liver diseases.

• Steroids: In certain autoimmune conditions or liver diseases characterised by inflammation, corticosteroids may be prescribed to suppress the immune response and reduce liver inflammation.

• Surgery: Surgical interventions may be necessary to address structural issues in the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts, particularly in cases of obstructions, gallstones, or tumours that are causing jaundice.

• Phototherapy: Phototherapy is often used in new-borns with jaundice (neonatal jaundice). It involves exposing the baby's skin to specific wavelengths of light, which helps break down excess bilirubin in the bloodstream.

Natural treatments for jaundice should be used as complementary measures alongside medical care:

• Drink Plenty of Water: Staying well-hydrated is essential for overall health, and it can help support the liver and kidneys in processing and eliminating bilirubin from the body.

• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Avoiding or minimising alcohol intake is crucial because alcohol can be harmful to the liver and may worsen liver-related conditions.

• Follow a Fat-Free Diet: A low-fat diet may be recommended in cases of jaundice, especially if the underlying cause involves problems with fat metabolism or the gallbladder. Reducing dietary fat intake can ease the workload on the liver.

• Sunlight Exposure: Exposure to natural sunlight can help in the breakdown of bilirubin, particularly in cases of neonatal jaundice. However, this should be done under medical supervision and guidance, especially in infants.

• Reduce Stress: Chronic stress can have a negative impact on overall health, including liver health. Stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or relaxation exercises may be beneficial.

• Avoid Exposure to Environmental Toxins: Reducing exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides and industrial chemicals, is generally a good practice for liver health. This can be particularly important if environmental factors are contributing to liver damage.