Stages of Cirrhosis and Jaundice Therapy

Jaundice is a condition, which affects the liver of the individual. It is not a disease on its own. It indicates the presence of certain underlying conditions. The first stage of jaundice involves the increase in the yellow pigment, bile, in the body. It is referred to as the prodromal stage, which is associated with elevated body temperature (about 100 to 102 degree Fahrenheit). Clay or mahogany colored stools with dark colored urine and tenderness in the right upper quadrant is also seen. The infection is highly contagious, in this stage, in case of poor sanitary habits or unhygienic practices.

Yellow skin or eyes disease are the other terms that are used to refer to jaundice. Bilirubin is a by product of old and worn out red blood cells. Bilirubin affects the mucous membrane, sclera and skin. Jaundice is seen in infants, due to improper functioning of the liver. About one per cent of red blood cells are replaced by fresh cells. Disposal of the old cells takes place in the liver. Excessive old cells result in increase in the bilirubin levels, thereby resulting in the first stage of jaundice.

Stages of Prevention and Treatments of Jaundice

The common symptoms of jaundice are constipation, fatigue, yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes and nausea. Photophobia, myalgia, weight loss, malaise, arthralgia and general weakness are also seen. This is seen for up to five days. Clinical or the icteric stage is the next stage, which shows symptoms of abdominal tenderness, indigestion and pruritus. This lasts for about a fortnight. It is seen after two weeks of the first stage. This stage fails to explain the severity or complexity of the condition. Rashes or hives and erythematous patches are seen, if hepatitis is present. Posticteral stage or the recovery period is the last stage, which is accompanied by a reduction in the symptoms. There is a reduction in the inflammation of the liver. This stage lasts for two to twelve weeks. Individuals with hepatitis B, C or E take a longer convalescence period.

Certain conditions that result in jaundice are stomach cancer, yellow fever, defective liver, malaria, neonatal jaundice, cancer of the gall bladder, Rh incompatibility, alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis, cancer of the pancreas and blockage of the bile ducts. The risk of jaundice is greater in new born infants, as they take some time to eliminate bilirubin, on their own. It appears on the face. It is later seen in the arms, legs and abdominal region.