Description
Jaundice is a term used to describe a yellowish tinge to the skin and the whites of the eye. Body fluids may also be yellow. Bilirubin is a by-product of the daily natural breakdown and destruction of red blood cells in the body. The hemoglobin molecule that is released into the blood by this process is split, with the heme portion undergoing a chemical conversion to bilirubin.
The main symptoms of the disease include:
- Yellow colour overlay on the skin.
- Fatigue.
- Stomach pain, which typically indicates an obstruction of the bile duct.
- Dark-colored urine.
- Itching of the skin.
- Yellowish tint in the white area of the eye and itchiness on the skin.
- Dark urine. Reduction in weight.
- Light-colored stools.
- Vomiting.
- Fever.
Causes of Jaundice
• Congenital malformations.
• Parasites.
• Pregnancy.
• Newborn jaundice.
• Gallstones in the bile ducts.
• Cancer (pancreatic and gallbladder/bile duct).
Jaundice in children
In newborns, jaundice usually occurs because an infant’s liver isn’t fully developed enough to properly break down and excrete bilirubin. Jaundice in older children.
Symptoms in children
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Causes of jaundice in children
Jaundice has a range of several possible causes. Knowing the origin of your child’s jaundice is critical in making sure the right treatment plan is put in place.
There are five basic types of transmittable hepatitis, each one triggered by a different virus.
- Hepatitis A is consuming contaminated water or food.
- Hepatitis B is transmitted through bodily fluids. A mother with hepatitis B may transmit the virus to her baby at birth.
- Hepatitis C is typically transmitted through contaminated blood or drug needles, so it may be less likely a cause of jaundice in young children.
- Hepatitis D often develops in people who already have the hepatitis B virus.
- Hepatitis E is usually isolated to developing regions of the world.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Jaundice treatment targets the cause rather than the jaundice symptoms
- .Jaundice is caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a waste material, in the blood.
- An inflamed liver or obstructed bile duct can lead to jaundice, as well as other underlying conditions.
- Diagnosis of jaundice can involve a range of tests.
- Jaundice is treated by managing the underlying cause.