Jaundice
In this condition factsheet:
Diagnosing Jaundice
Your doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical exam. Your doctor will ask how suddenly the jaundice came on, what other symptoms accompanied it, and how the stool and urine look. A blood sample will also be taken and checked for hepatitis virus antibodies, abnormal red blood cells, bilirubin levels, and various other substances that give clues about liver function. Your doctor may also order other tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or biopsy to determine the cause of jaundice. An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be done to look at the gallbladder, liver, or bile ducts.
For newborns, a doctor may check their bilirubin periodically while they’re in the hospital using a transcutaneous bilirubinometer. This device is a light meter that is placed on the head to provide a transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) level. A more accurate way to measure bilirubin is by taking a blood sample from the baby’s heel which can measure their total serum bilirubin (TSB) level.
Treating and Preventing Jaundice
There's no treatment for jaundice, since it's not a disease but a sign of a medical problem. The approach is to treat the underlying cause, if possible. Some of the medical problems that cause jaundice are curable, like malaria. Others, like thalassemia, are treatable. Many, like hepatitis A, newborn jaundice, or cholestasis of pregnancy, aren't curable but go away on their own. Usually treatment is unnecessary. Conditions like cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis are lifelong problems that may cause permanent or recurring jaundice. Some types of cancer can cause jaundice and should be investigated by a physician as early as possible, since early detection and treatment can improve survival. Treatment may involve surgery to remove the tumour.
Many of these diseases are inherited or autoimmune conditions that we don't know how to prevent. People can, however, do something about the 2 most common causes of jaundice–viral hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease. There are vaccines against hepatitis A and B (although, unfortunately, not against type C). The hepatitis B vaccine can protect you against lifelong complications of this disease. People suffering from alcoholism can help reduce their risk of alcoholic liver disease by seeking treatment for their condition.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Jaundice
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