Information on jaundice

is jaundice infectious
(10 Jan 2008)

Jaundice is a condition that is characterized by the yellow discoloration of one’s skin, the sclerae (white portion of the eyes) and the mucous membranes. This discoloration is caused on account of an increased level of bilirubin in the patient’s blood. Further more this discoloration of the sclerae, skin and mucous membranes may differ based upon the bilirubin level.

The color is brown when the level is high and yellow when it is a little elevated. Jaundice by itself is not a disease but rather an indication or symptom of an underlying illness. Bilirubin is a chemical that comes from our red blood cells. Now, when these cells get old, they are destroyed, this is a natural process. When this happens, the hemoglobin, which is the chemical that contains iron, present in these cells, is released from them after their iron content has been removed. The chemical that is now left behind in the blood once the iron has been released becomes bilirubin.

Our liver performs a wide array of functions, some of which are the production and secretion of bile for the purpose of digestion and removal of toxins and waste products. Thus bilirubin being a waste product has to be flushed out of the system by the liver. Jaundice is caused when a) the production of bilirubin is so much that it become difficult for the liver to get rid of it from the blood b) a liver defect is present that prevents the removal of the bilirubin from the blood and c) the bile ducts get blocked resulting in a decrease in the flow of bilirubin and bile from the patients liver into their intestine for e.g. the patients bile ducts may get blocked by gallstones, inflammation of the duct itself or cancers.

Some of the symptoms of this condition are; a yellowish discoloration of the sclera, mucous membranes and skin, lightened stools, a dark color to the urine, an itching sensation, abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea, loss of appetite, fever, fatigue, headache and a lethargy. Jaundice is not a contagious condition. A person suffering from jaundice has to adopt a very light and simple carbohydrate diet. Legumes, pulses and fats should be avoided, as they have the tendency to putrefy or ferment within the lower intestine, and plenty of vegetables and fresh fruits must be eaten. In other words a diet that is simple to digest and does not strain the liver should be consumed.

answered by G M on 9 Apr 2010, 5:53:07

No, jaundice, one of the most common conditions that affects the liver of a person, is not infectious. It is not a disease by itself but certainly indicates the presence of other underlying conditions. Jaundice results in the yellowing of the skin and mucous membrane. It occurs due to increase in the bile pigments, mainly bilirubin, in the blood. Though the bile is essential for our nutrition, it could result in gases if it is prevented from entering the intestine. Jaundice usually happens when our liver is overworked and can no longer perform its basic functions such as filtering and elimination of toxins from the bloodstream. Jaundice can also be caused to due to blockage of bile ducts, hemolytic anemia, acute hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease etc. Basically, there are three kinds of jaundice; hepatocellular jaundice, hemolytic jaundice and obstructive jaundice. The most common symptoms would be fever, headaches, extreme weakness, slight pain in the liver region, weight loss, nausea and the yellow discoloration. In the early stages, known as the prodromal stage, you can find an increase in the yellow pigment, increase in body temperature and dark colored urine. This would last up to five days. The next stage, known as the clinical stage, shows signs of indigestion, abdominal tenderness and pruritus. This could last for about two weeks. The last stage is known as the posticteral stage or the recovery phase. In this stage there is a reduction in the inflammation of the liver. This phase could last from anywhere from two to twelve weeks. People with hepatitis B, C and E take longer to recover. Jaundice by itself is not contagious as it is a liver disease, but underlying causes such as hepatitis could be contagious in the early stages.

A supervised diet, moderate exercise and lots of rest are very essential in jaundice. When your body starts showing the initial symptoms, visit the doctor immediately. If diagnosed at an early stage the recovery would be much faster. In the first week of your treatment take only juices and adequate rest. In your juice diet you should also include sugarcane juice with half a lime everyday for a faster recovery. After the first week, you can include an all fruit diet for about three to five days. You should remember that your body resistance during a jaundice attack is very low and any kind of contaminated liquid would only make matters worse. Regular visits to the doctor and timely medication is essential.

answered by G M on 8 Oct 2009, 1:25:24

Jaundice is the change in skin color to yellow. Increase in the bilirubin content results in yellowing of the sclera or the white part of the eye and the skin. Bilirubin is a waste that is seen in the blood, which is effectively removed by the liver. Excessive bilirubin production by the liver is a primary cause of jaundice. Any complication, associated with the liver prevents the separation of bilirubin from the blood. Any obstruction in the bile ducts results in a decreased supply of bilirubin into the intestine from the liver. Cholestasis or jaundice is a hepatic disorder that results in clay colored stools. Light colored stools are also seen. Itching or pruritis is also an important symptom of jaundice. Sleep is an essential part that is lost. Course of recovery is 7 to 10 days. It is not a contagious disease. Fatigue, muscle wasting, intestinal bleeding, coma, ankle swelling and ascites or swelling accumulation in the abdominal cavity are the commonly seen symptoms. Bile is essential for lipid oxidation. Bile helps in releasing certain vitamins, thereby helping in their absorption. Obstruction in bile flow causes a deficiency of these vitamins. As an analogy, vitamin K deficiency, results in proteins necessary for coagulation of blood. This is seen to result in bleeding, which is uncontrollable.

answered by Dr C on 31 Jan 2008, 12:36:10

Information on jaundice

is jaundice infectious (10 Jan 2008)

is jaundice infectious
(10 Jan 2008)