Signs Of Jaundice And Jaundice Prevention

How will we know that jaundice is treated?

Jaundice is a liver disease, which is accompanied by the discoloration of the skin and eyes. It results in high levels of bilirubin in the system. Hemoglobin in the blood is broken down to bilirubin, after worn out. The latter is eliminated through the urine and the liver is the main organ for this process. Various types of jaundice are obstructive, hemolytic and hepato cellular jaundice. Obstructive jaundice is a result of blockage of bile, thereby resulting in excess. Obstructive jaundice is treated in a surgical manner.

Hemolytic jaundice is caused due to excessive breakdown of hemoglobin. Hepatocellular jaundice is a result of liver infection. Bilirubin is not processed in this kind of infection. Treatments of mild forms of viral jaundice are common with diet and rest. Juice diet proves helpful, in the initial week. Follow it up with a fruit diet for the next three days. This is followed by a simple no fat, low carbohydrate diet. Adequate amount of fruits and vegetables, especially green leaves are helpful. Eat them raw to derive maximum benefits. Eat foods that are soft and bland. Certain foods that ferment or putrefy in the intestine are not recommended, such as legumes, pulses and dried beans.

Bilirubin Levels And Jaundice Side Effects

Moderate exercise with rest periods and a good diet can help to a great extent. Avoid smoking, or exposure to second hand smoke. Avoid processed foods. Refined flour and refined sugar are also best avoided. Restrict the intake of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and so on. Intestinal cleansing is of great help. Red meat and animal fats are completely prohibited from the diet. Whole grains, millets, and cereals prove beneficial. Adequate amounts of water are useful; at least eight to ten glasses. Barley water, coconut water, clear soups and fresh fruit juices are liquids that are allowed. Avoid carbonated beverages and other junk foods, such as burgers, pizzas and chips. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages are a clear ‘no-no’.

Diagnosis of the blood parameters, through blood tests proves helpful in identifying the success on completion of treatment. Ultrasonography and computerized tomography also help. The discoloration of the sclera and the skin is also relieved by the end of the treatment. Liver biopsy is yet another technique, which helps in the identification of infection and ascertains completion of the treatment. Endoscopic ultrasound is a method, which aids in the diagnosis of small stones in the gall bladder. The end of treatment in this case will be the surgical removal of the stones.