Jaundice - SP Medifort Hospital

Jaundice Treatment

Jaundice Treatment In South India

Jaundice, marked by a yellowing of the skin and eyes, is often a sign that something isn’t quite right with the liver. The condition can range from mild to severe, making early and accurate diagnosis essential. For advanced Jaundice Treatment in South India, SP Medifort Hospital offers expert liver care with timely evaluation and personalized treatment. Recognized by many patients as the best hospital for jaundice treatment in South India, SP Medifort Hospital focuses on identifying the root cause of jaundice and preventing complications through comprehensive medical management.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of Jaundice?

Symptoms of Jaundice can vary depending on the underlying cause of jaundice and may include:

Fatigue or weakness.
Loss of appetite.
Nausea or vomiting.
Fever.
Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
Dark-coloured urine.
Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially on the upper right side.
Itching of the skin.

What are the types of Jaundice?

Jaundice is classified based on where the problem occurs in the body. Understanding the type helps doctors identify the cause and choose the right treatment.

Pre‑hepatic (Hemolytic) Jaundice:
Jaundice is caused by the excessive breakdown of red blood cells before bilirubin reaches the liver. The liver is normal but cannot process the surplus bilirubin efficiently.
Hepatic (Hepatocellular) Jaundice:
Jaundice resulting from damage to the liver cells, which reduces the liver’s ability to process and excrete bilirubin. Commonly seen in hepatitis, cirrhosis, or other liver disorders.
Post‑hepatic (Obstructive) Jaundice:
Jaundice occurs when bile flow is blocked after leaving the liver, causing bilirubin to accumulate in the blood. Blockages may result from gallstones, tumors, or strictures in the bile ducts.

What causes Jaundice?

Main Causes of jaundice include:

Excessive Red Blood Cell Breakdown (Pre‑hepatic Causes):
When red blood cells are destroyed faster than the liver can handle, bilirubin production increases sharply, overwhelming the liver’s ability to process it. Conditions that can lead to this include hemolytic anemia (such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia), malaria, and other disorders that increase red blood cell destruction.
Liver Cell Damage (Hepatic Causes):
If the liver’s cells are injured or diseased, the organ cannot properly take up, metabolise, or excrete bilirubin. Common causes include viral hepatitis, alcohol‑related liver disease, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer, and certain genetic conditions that affect bilirubin processing.
Blockage of Bile Flow (Post‑hepatic/Obstructive Causes):
When bile ducts are blocked after bilirubin leaves the liver, bilirubin can’t be excreted and backs up into the bloodstream. This can happen because of gallstones, tumours in the bile ducts or pancreas, strictures, or inflammation of the bile ducts.
Newborn/Neonatal Causes:
Newborn jaundice is common because an infant’s liver is still immature and may not process bilirubin efficiently in the first days of life. Additional factors can include prematurity, blood type differences, and increased bilirubin production shortly after birth.

Diagnosis of Jaundice

The diagnosis of jaundice includes multiple steps to pinpoint the root cause.

Medical History & Physical Exam:The doctor reviews medical history, symptoms, medications, and lifestyle factors, then examines the skin, eyes, and liver for signs of jaundice or liver disease.
Liver Function Tests (LFTs): A group of blood tests that measure bilirubin, liver enzymes, and proteins to evaluate how well the liver is working and detect possible liver damage.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): A blood test that examines red and white blood cells and platelets, helping identify anemia, infections, or excessive red blood cell breakdown.
Viral Hepatitis Tests: Blood tests that detect infections caused by hepatitis viruses (such as A, B, or C), which can lead to liver inflammation and jaundice.
Urine and Stool Tests: Laboratory tests of urine and stool used to detect abnormalities in bilirubin and bile flow. Dark urine or pale stools can indicate liver or bile duct problems, and the presence of bilirubin in urine helps confirm jaundice.
Ultrasound: A simple, painless scan of the abdomen that lets doctors see the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder to check for blockages or structural issues.
CT Scan or MRI: More detailed imaging tests that provide a closer look at the liver and bile ducts when additional information is needed to identify the cause of jaundice.
Liver Biopsy (if needed): A medical procedure in which a small sample of liver tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to assess liver health, detect damage, or identify the cause of jaundice.

What are the jaundice risk factors?

Jaundice can affect anyone, but certain factors may increase the risk:

Liver Diseases : Conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease can impair bilirubin processing.
Certain Medications or Toxins: Drugs or chemicals that affect the liver can trigger jaundice.
Genetic Conditions : Inherited disorders affecting bilirubin metabolism, such as Gilbert’s syndrome, can increase risk.
Excessive Alcohol Use : Heavy or long-term alcohol consumption can damage the liver.
Age: Infants, especially those born prematurely, are more prone to jaundice because their livers are still maturing and may not process bilirubin efficiently.

What treatment options are available for Jaundice?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of jaundice rather than the symptom itself. Common approaches include:

Medications: Depending on the cause, doctors may prescribe medications to treat infections like hepatitis, reduce liver inflammation, or manage underlying conditions that contribute to jaundice. The goal is to address the root problem so bilirubin levels return to normal.

Lifestyle Changes:Simple but effective changes, such as avoiding alcohol, following a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and managing conditions like fatty liver disease, can support liver health and improve recovery.

Procedures or Surgery: When jaundice is caused by obstructions like gallstones, bile duct strictures, or tumors, medical procedures or surgery may be needed to remove the blockage and restore normal bile flow.

Phototherapy (for Newborns): In infants with neonatal jaundice, exposure to special blue light helps break down excess bilirubin safely, reducing yellowing and preventing complications while the baby’s liver matures.

Monitoring and Supportive Care: Doctors may recommend regular check-ups, hydration, and nutritional support to help the body recover while treating the underlying cause. Close monitoring ensures that any complications are detected early.