Jaundice Liver Disease and Cirrhosis Information

Jaundice is the discoloration of the eye and skin, which is a result of liver disease or blockage. Breakdown of hemoglobin results in bilirubin, which indicates the presence of problems in the gall bladder and liver. Hemoglobin in the red blood corpuscles are broken to heme, and iron containing portion and ‘globin’, a protein. Bilirubin, is a by product of heme, which is carried to the liver, by the circulatory system. It also indicates the blockage in the bile duct. Symptoms of jaundice are fatigue, poor appetite, pain in the liver region, fever, headache, constipation, itching and discoloration.

Bilirubin is seen in two forms, namely:

• Conjugated (attached to another molecule) and
• Unconjugated or indirect bilirubin.

The sum of this direct and indirect bilirubin is indicated by the total bilirubin levels. The normal levels are between 0.3 and 1.9 mg/dL. This means that your levels are much within the normal levels. Certain medications affect the bilirubin levels, such as oral contraceptives, rifampin, anabolic steroids, codeine, antibiotics, morphine, sulphonamides and diuretics. Penicillin, barbiturates and caffeine decrease the bilirubin levels. So, bilirubin level increase fails to indicate jaundice.

Prevention of Jaundice and Jaundice Infection

Increase in bilirubin levels also indicates the presence of sickle cell anaemia, erythroblastosis fetalis, physiological jaundice, Crigler-Najjar syndrome, pernicious anaemia, Gilbert’s disease, transfusion reaction and hematoma. Other disorders associated with high bilirubin levels are bile duct obstruction, hepatitis, malaria, pancreatic cancer and congenital disorders associated with bilirubin. Recurrence of high bilirubin levels or jaundice is seen, in case of cirrhosis or hepatitis. It is quite a serious issue and requires immediate medical attention. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A, B, C and E. Take the guidance of your physician. Good sanitation and hygiene is also equally effective. Sanitize your hands after a visit to the toilet.

Supplements of vitamins B, C and E help in the replenishment of liver tissue. Avoid all kinds of stress. Fresh juice, tender coconut water, barley water and vegetable soup are helpful. Avoid the intake of fried and refined foods. Carbonated beverages are a clear ‘no-no’. Alcoholic beverages and smoking are prohibited. Alcohol worsens the condition of the liver. Complete proteins such as egg white prove beneficial. Tofu and dairy products are also helpful, after jaundice. Fruits, such as lemon, orange, grapes and pears are useful. Juice of beet, sugarcane and carrot also help in the healing process. Liver has a great capacity to regenerate itself. Vitamin E and choline has the ability to help in rejuvenation of the liver. Regular exercise and physical activity is helpful, to keep infection at bay.