Jaundice is symptom of liver disorder:

Is jaundice contagious?

No, jaundice is not a contagious disease.



Rather it is often a symptom for many other disorders mainly related to the liver. Jaundice is a condition when the levels of bilirubin in the blood rise above its normal values; this gives the skin and sclera a yellowish appearance.



Bilirubin is a normal catabolic by product that arises from normal breakdown of red blood cells and is later excreted in bile through the actions of the hub organ - liver. Most commonly jaundice indicates some problem related to liver, but other conditions related to spleen and blood can also cause jaundice.



Jaundice by itself is not contagious, but the cause can sometimes be contagious. For example if jaundice is caused due to hepatitis then hepatitis can spread from the person with active infections. Jaundice is a common symptom for hepatitis, in such cases hepatitis has spread not jaundice. Thus to treat jaundice effectively and avoid any relapse it is important to know the underlying cause.
Some signs and symptoms for jaundice include fever, nausea, vomiting, itching, decreased appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and abdominal pain. Mild form of jaundice can be treated well at home by following complete bed rest and watching your diet carefully.



The following tips when practiced along with the medications prescribed by your specialist will help in faster recovery -

• To encourage frequent urination increase your fluid consumption as this will help to get rid of excess bile pigments from the blood. Water and other fruit juices and vegetable juices can be included liberally in the diet.
• As some of the symptoms like a low appetite, nausea and vomiting in patients with jaundice can interfere with the food intake, it is important to give foods at regular and short intervals. Having small meals at frequent intervals will not only prevent nausea and vomiting but also increase appetite and food consumption.
• Certain foods like junk foods, spicy foods, fatty/fried or oily foods should be avoided completely for the first few weeks as these foods pose extra load on the liver.
• Simple carbohydrates and soft, bland, low fat food should be consume in the first week which is easily digested.  Fats from eggs and dairy products can be added to the diet and as the symptoms subside gradually simple fats like butter and cream should be included in the diet in small amounts.
• It may take several weeks to recoup from jaundice as it often leaves a lot of weakness in the person, so take plenty of rest and eat a balanced meal for quick recovery.