Jaundice is not a disease but rather a sign that can occur in many different diseases. Jaundice is the yellowish staining of the skin and sclerae (the whites of the eyes) that is caused by high levels in blood of the chemical bilirubin. The color of the skin and sclerae vary depending on the level of bilirubin. When the bilirubin level is mildly elevated, they are yellowish. When the bilirubin level is high, they tend to be brown.
Symptoms
In jaundice, the skin and whites of the eyes appear yellow. Urine is often dark because excess bilirubin is excreted through the kidneys. People may have itching, light-colored stools, or other symptoms, depending on the cause of jaundice. For example, acute inflammation of the liver (acute hepatitis) may cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Blockage of bile may result in abdominal pain and fever.
Types of Jaundice
There are several types of newborn jaundice. The following are the most common:
Physiological (normal) jaundice: occurring in more than 50% of newborns, this jaundice is due to the immaturity of the baby's liver, which leads to a slow processing of bilirubin. It generally appears at 2 to 4 days of age and disappears by 1 to 2 weeks of age.
Blood group incompatibility (Rh or ABO problems): if a baby has a different blood type than the mother, the mother might produce antibodies that destroy the infant's red blood cells. This creates a sudden buildup of bilirubin in the baby's blood. Incompatibility jaundice usually begins during the first day of life. Rh problems once caused the most severe form of jaundice, but now can be prevented with an injection of Rh immune globulin to the mother within 72 hours after delivery, which prevents her from forming antibodies that might endanger any subsequent babies.
How is jaundice diagnosed?
A diagnosis of jaundice is made based on a physical examination as well as observation by your doctor. However, because the condition has a number of possible causes, your doctor will likely order any of the following tests for adults:
• Serum bilirubin: A test that measures the concentration of bilirubin in the blood.
• Complete blood count: A series of blood tests that provides information about the components of blood including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• Abdominal ultrasound: An abdominal ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce a "picture" called a sonogram. A sonogram of the liver will show whether it is swollen or abnormal.
Natural Remedies for Jaundice
Following are some of the effective home remedies for jaundice:
1. The green leaves of radish should be pounded and their juice extracted through cloth. Half a liter of this juice should he taken daily by an adult patient. It induces a healthy appetite and proper evacuation of bowels, and this result in gradual decrease of the trouble. In most cases, complete cure can be ensured within 8 or 10 days.
2. Take a glass of fresh tomato juice, mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper early in the morning. It is an effective remedy for jaundice.
3. The juice extracted from the green leaves of pigeon pea should be taken in doses of 60 ml daily. It is an effective natural cure for jaundice.
