An increase in the level of bilirubin in blood can cause the fatal disease Jaundice which is also known as icterus. Accumulation of bile pigment in blood results in yellowing of the skin which is the most common symptom for this ailment. The tern Jaundice drives from the French word “jaune” which in English means yellow.
This disease not only increases the level of bilirubin in blood but it also increases the level of bilirubin in extracellular fluids. Generally, the normal presence of bilirubin in plasma is 0.5 mg/dL but when a person suffers from this disease this level shoots up to1.5 mg/dL which is three times higher than the normal presence of bilirubin in blood.
Causes of Jaundice
Bilirubin is essential for digesting food properly and it is secreted from gall bladder. However excess bilirubin can cause jaundice. If in any case, red blood cells do not complete their average life span in the liver they are often broken down to bilirubin which in turn causes jaundice.
At times the side effects of some drugs can cause this disease. People who consume alcohol regularly are susceptible to this disease. Malfunctioning of liver resulting in increased bilirubin level can cause this malady.
A blockage in liver ducts can force bilirubin to bounce back into the blood and it can also cause this disease. Gallstone is one such impediment that generally creates this kind of problem. Genetic flaws and incompatibility of rhesus blood group can also cause this lethal disease. Malfunctioning of thyroid glands may also cause Jaundice.
Jaundice Symptoms
Yellowing of the eyes and skin is one of the conspicuous and obvious symptoms of this fatal disease. One can experience a kind of itchy feeling in his/her skin if he/she is affected by this disease. It has been observed that yellowing of skin starts from the face and then it pervades in every part of a person’s body. The first organ to show this symptom is the eyes.
If a new born baby is affected by this disease the parent will observe that their baby is not eating properly and sleeping most of the time. Dark yellow urination and pale complexion are the two common symptoms of this disease.
Treatment for Jaundice
Before starting a treatment of Jaundice, one needs to under go simple blood test for confirming the fact that he is being afflicted by this disease. Though yellow skin often makes it evident yet it is the best to confirm it.
If a child is attacked by this disease, a phototherapy or light therapy can cure that child from Jaundice. There is no well defined cure; however proper rest and food are believed to work wonders. If the level of bilirubin crosses a certain dangerous level, practitioners generally use blood transfusion to recuperate a patient from this disease. Antiviral medication and antibiotics are also applied to treat a patient. Liver biopsy also is usually done.
Advice:
Eating green vegetables and fruits can help a Jaundice patience to recuperate from this disease. One has to drink approximately 2.5 liters to 3 liters of water on a regular basis. Try to shun alcohol, coffee, junk foods and soda pop. If one can follow these instructions, one can notice a visible change in his bilirubin level in blood.
Further avoiding processed food for example, white flour, white sugar as far as possible, can help a patient to be cured from this disease without facing any further complication. One should not eat animal fats and meat or any kind of dairy products for example: milk, cheese etc.
A light exercise or yoga can help a person to fight against this disease. A sound sleep and a short morning work can help a patient immensely to recuperate from Jaundice.
