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Jaundice is a medical condition in which too much bilirubin – a compound produced by the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells – circulates in the blood. The excess bilirubin causes the skin, eyes, and mucus membranes in the mouth to turn yellowish in color. As bilirubin is processed by the liver, the symptoms of jaundice can indicate damage to the liver in adults. If left untreated, jaundice can lead to liver failure.
Cause
Jaundice occurs when the liver doesn’t breakdown bilirubin the way it is supposed to. Jaundice is often indicative of: alcohol abuse, viral hepatitis (ABCDE & G), infections, liver cancer, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), gallstones [cholesterol stones made of hardened fat (lipid) material or pigment stones made of bilirubin, pancreatic cancer, parasites in the liver, blood disorders (such as hemolytic anemia – decrease in the red blood cells, which leads to fatigue and weakness), an adverse reaction to or an overdose of medication.
Symptoms
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, mild fever, weakness, yellow coloration of the urine, skin, eyes, and mucus membranes.
Precautions
• Vaccination can prevent Hepatitis A and B.
• Avoid eating unhygienic food from roadside stalls.
• Drink filtered or boiled water.
• Use disposable needles and syringes.
• Maintain proper hygiene and wash your hands before eating.
A person with jaundice should:
• Avoid oily and spicy food.
• Take as much rest as possible.
• Drink at least 3 litres water a day.
• Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables and drink fresh juice.
• Avoid heavy & strenuous work.
• Avoid raw food as cooking destroys viruses.