What Is Jaundice, and What Are Its Causes and Symptoms?

Question

I recently heard about jaundice, and I wanted to understand more about what causes it and how it affects the body. From what I understand, jaundice is a condition where the skin and eyes turn yellow due to excessive bilirubin in the blood, but what exactly triggers this increase in bilirubin levels?

I read that jaundice can be caused by liver diseases, infections, hemolysis (rapid breakdown of red blood cells), or bile duct obstruction, but how do doctors determine the exact cause in different cases? Also, how is jaundice in newborns different from jaundice in adults?

One thing that concerns me is whether jaundice is always a sign of serious liver problems, or if it can sometimes be a temporary condition that resolves on its own. How do you differentiate between mild jaundice and severe liver disease?

Are there any Ayurvedic or natural treatments that help detoxify the liver and improve bilirubin metabolism? I’ve heard that Bhumyamalaki, Kutki, and Aloe Vera juice are beneficial for liver cleansing and jaundice recovery—do these actually work?

If anyone has experienced jaundice, what treatments helped the most? Did diet changes, herbal remedies, or medications make the biggest difference in recovery?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

Jaundice is a condition where the skin and eyes turn yellow due to the buildup of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells. The increase in bilirubin levels can be triggered by liver diseases, infections, hemolysis (rapid breakdown of red blood cells), or bile duct obstruction. Doctors determine the exact cause through blood tests, imaging studies, and a physical exam. Jaundice in newborns is often due to their immature liver, which can have trouble processing bilirubin, whereas jaundice in adults is more commonly related to liver conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or gallstones. While jaundice can sometimes be a temporary condition, especially in newborns, in adults, it can indicate serious liver issues. The severity of jaundice is assessed by bilirubin levels and other symptoms such as abdominal pain or swelling. Ayurvedic remedies like Bhumyamalaki, Kutki, and Aloe Vera juice are believed to support liver detoxification and may help with jaundice recovery by improving liver function and bilirubin metabolism, but their effectiveness varies. A balanced diet, adequate hydration, and avoiding alcohol can also aid liver health.

What Is Jaundice, and What Are Its Causes and Symptoms? - #15476

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