How is Jaundice Diagnosed?

A doctor usually diagnoses jaundice by examining the skin and eyes for yellow discolouration and reviewing your symptoms and medical history. The doctor may ask about alcohol consumption, medications, recent infections, travel history, and family history of liver disease.

To determine the cause and severity of the condition, the doctor may recommend diagnostic tests, such as liver function tests (LFTs), a complete blood count (CBC), tests for hepatitis viruses, an abdominal ultrasound, a CT scan, an MRI, an MRCP, an ERCP, or a liver biopsy. The tests your doctor chooses will depend on what they think might be causing your symptoms.

How is Jaundice Treated Based on Severity?

The table below shows the recommended treatments for jaundice, depending on its severity:

Clinical Severity Treatment Approach
Mild Jaundice Hydration, nutritional support, observing bilirubin levels and treatment of the underlying cause.
Moderate Jaundice Medicines to lower bilirubin levels, monitoring and treatment of liver disease or infection.
Severe Jaundice Hospitalisation, intravenous fluids and specialised treatment.

Types of Jaundice and Their Treatment

Various types of jaundice and their preferred treatment are as follows:

Type of Jaundice Treatment
Obstructive Jaundice ERCP, surgery or removal of the obstruction.
Haemolytic Jaundice Treatment of the underlying blood disorder, blood transfusion, if required.
Neonatal Jaundice Phototherapy, feeding support or exchange transfusion in severe cases.
Hepatic Jaundice Supportive care and antiviral medicines in selected cases.

Other Treatments for Jaundice

Doctors might recommend other treatments in addition to medicines, depending on the cause of jaundice. For newborns, phototherapy is often used to break down extra bilirubin. Patients who are extremely sick or dehydrated require intravenous (IV) fluids to help them stay hydrated. If a blocked bile duct is causing the problem, a procedure called Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can help find and remove bile duct stones or clear the blockage.

In some cases, surgery is needed to remove gallstones, fix bile ducts, or treat certain liver or pancreatic problems that cause jaundice. If the situation is serious, such as end-stage liver disease or sudden liver failure, a liver transplant may be recommended if other treatments do not work.

Oral Medications for Jaundice Treatment

Oral medicines may be prescribed depending on the cause of jaundice and include:

  • Cholestyramine: Helps relieve severe itching caused by cholestatic jaundice.

  • Entecavir: Used for chronic hepatitis B infection.

  • Tenofovir: An antiviral medicine used to treat underlying hepatitis B.

  • Sofosbuvir-based medicines: Used to treat chronic hepatitis C infection.

  • Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA): May improve bile flow in certain liver and bile duct disorders.

  • Vitamin supplements: These are often recommended for people who have nutritional deficiencies or chronic liver disease.

Note:Oral medicines for jaundice should be taken only on a doctor's recommendation. Self-medication may worsen liver damage or delay appropriate treatment.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Jaundice

Some people may explore Ayurvedic or complementary therapies to support jaundice treatment. These approaches should only complement medical treatment and not replace it. Some of the popular Ayurvedic treatments for jaundice include:

  • Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri): It is used in the Ayurvedic medicine system and helps with liver health and digestion.

  • Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata): It supports liver function and helps with bile secretion.

  • Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia): It is used to boost immunity and support liver health.

  • Panchakarma Therapy: Qualified Ayurvedic practitioners may suggest detoxification therapies like Virechana to help support the liver.

  • Pitta-Pacifying Diet: A light diet rich in fruits, vegetables and easily digestible foods is recommended to support recovery.

Note: Some herbal medicines can harm your liver. Always check with your doctor before trying any alternative therapies.

Home Care for Managing Jaundice

Making a few simple changes to your daily habits can help you recover from jaundice sooner. Here are some home care tips for managing this condition:

  • Try to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

  • Choose foods that are easy to digest and aim for a balanced diet.

  • Avoid alcohol.

  • Take prescribed medicines.

  • Maintain good personal hygiene.

  • Attend regular follow-up appointments.

  • Avoid unnecessary medicines that may affect the liver.

  • Get enough rest.

How Long Does Jaundice Treatment Take?

This table shows the approximate time needed for jaundice treatment based on severity:

Severity Approximate Duration
Mild Viral Jaundice 1-2 weeks
Moderate Jaundice Infection Several days to weeks. Might take 2-4 weeks
Severe Jaundice Infection Several months to improve.
Chronic Jaundice Infection Long-term management might take several months
Post-Surgical / Transplant Recovery Several months

Jaundice Treatment Side Effects

Most jaundice treatments are safe when appropriately prescribed. However, some treatments may cause side effects, such as:

  • Temporary bronze skin colour (in neonatal treatment).

  • Feeling sick to your stomach.

  • Vomiting.

  • Allergic reactions, such as rash or swelling.

  • Loose or frequent stools.

  • Changes in liver test results.

  • Changes in how your kidneys work when taking some medicines.

  • Infections that can happen after a procedure.

  • Bleeding problems can occur after surgery or ERCP.

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Jaundice

The following healthy habits may support recovery and improve liver health:

  • Eat a balanced diet.

  • Stay well hydrated.

  • Avoid alcohol.

  • Exercise regularly after recovery.

  • Maintain a healthy body weight.

  • Practice good hygiene.

  • Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B if recommended.

  • Avoid unnecessary medications without a doctor's advice.

Triggers That Can Worsen Jaundice Symptoms

Several things can make jaundice worse or slow down recovery, such as:

  • Alcohol consumption.

  • Not treating underlying viral hepatitis.

  • Dehydration.

  • Poor nutrition.

  • Liver toxins.

  • Continued bile duct obstruction.

  • Waiting too long to get medical care.

  • Taking medicines that can harm the liver.

Jaundice Treatment Cost

The cost of treating jaundice in India depends on the cause, type of treatment, hospital, and city. Doctor visits usually cost between ₹800 and ₹2,500 per visit. Blood tests and scans can range from ₹3,000 to ₹15,000. Hospital stays, including antivirals, may cost from ₹30,000 up to ₹1 lakh or more. Advanced procedures like ERCP or liver transplants are much more expensive, costing around ₹18 lakh to ₹35 lakh.

Does Health Insurance Cover Jaundice Treatment in India?

Yes. Health insurance in India usually covers jaundice, based on the line of treatment. In case of hospitalisation, most health policies cover expenses incurred on room charges, doctor's fees, diagnostic tests, medicines, and nursing care. But if your case is mild and you are taking treatment on an outpatient basis, your policy must offer OPD benefits to cover its costs.
In some cases, if jaundice is linked to a pre-existing disease, your coverage shall be subject to a waiting period of up to 3 years. Depending on the terms and conditions of your policy, it is wise to choose a health insurance plan with a coverage of at least ₹10 lakh to cover the jaundice treatment costs.

FAQs

  • Q1. Can jaundice be cured completely?

    Ans. Yes. In many cases, jaundice can be completely treated once the underlying cause, such as a viral infection, gallstones or a blood disorder, is identified and treated appropriately. However, jaundice caused by chronic liver disease may require long-term treatment.

  • Q2. Which treatment is best for jaundice?

    Ans. There is no single treatment for jaundice. The most appropriate treatment depends on its underlying cause. It may include medicines, intravenous fluids, endoscopic procedures, surgery or supportive care, as recommended by a doctor.

  • Q3. How long does jaundice treatment take?

    Ans. The length of jaundice treatment depends on what is causing it and how severe it is. Mild viral jaundice often improves within 1 to 2 weeks. If jaundice is due to chronic liver disease or a blocked bile duct, complete treatment may take longer and require follow-up consultations.

  • Q4. Can jaundice be treated at home?

    Ans. You can manage mild jaundice at home by getting enough rest, drinking plenty of fluids, eating a healthy diet, and taking any medicines your doctor prescribes. If you have severe stomach pain, ongoing vomiting, high fever, or confusion, you should see a doctor right away.

  • Q5. When is surgery needed for jaundice?

    Ans. Surgery or endoscopic procedures may be required if gallstones, bile duct obstruction, tumours or certain liver and pancreatic disorders cause jaundice. The treatment approach depends on the underlying cause.

  • Q6. What foods should I eat during jaundice treatment?

    Ans. A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and adequate fluids is generally recommended. It is also advisable to avoid alcohol, fried foods and excessive fatty or processed foods until recovery, as advised by your doctor.

  • Q7. Can jaundice come back after treatment?

    Ans. Yes, jaundice can return if the underlying problem recurs or is not completely treated. Consulting your doctor regularly and addressing the underlying cause can help reduce the risk of it happening again.

  • Q8. Does jaundice always require hospitalisation?

    Ans. No, not all the time. With medication and routine checkups, mild jaundice can be treated at home. However, hospital care may be required for specific therapy or if jaundice is severe.

  • References

    • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infant-jaundice/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373870

    • https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/jaundice

    • https://www.nivabupa.com/health-insurance-articles/health-insurance-for-liver-disease-importance.html

    • https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/15367-adult-jaundice

    • https://medlineplus.gov/jaundice.html

    • https://www.drkarunhematology.com/blog/hemolytic-jaundice-causes-symptoms-treatment/

    • https://www.healthline.com/health/jaundice-types#hepatic-jaundice

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