Jaundice is yellow discoloration of the skin and, more noticeably, the whites of the eyes caused by an increase in bilirubin in the blood. Causes may include viral hepatitis, gallstones or bile-duct obstruction, medication-related liver injury, haemolysis and other liver disorders. In India, hepatitis A and E are important causes of acute hepatitis, while hepatitis B and C remain important causes of chronic liver disease.
Contents
1. Understanding Jaundice
2. Symptoms of Jaundice
3. Bilirubin and Liver Function Tests
4. Hepatitis A and E
5. Hepatitis B and C
6. Food and Diet During Jaundice
7. Sugarcane Juice and Common Home Remedies
8. Medicines and Supplements
1. Understanding Jaundice
1. What is jaundice?
Jaundice is yellow discoloration of the skin, eyes or mucous membranes caused by an increased level of bilirubin in the blood.
2. Is jaundice a disease?
No. Jaundice is a symptom or clinical sign rather than a single disease. It can result from problems involving the liver, bile ducts, red blood cells or other conditions.
3. Is every case of jaundice caused by liver disease?
No. Jaundice may occur because of increased breakdown of red blood cells, liver-cell injury or impaired flow of bile from the liver.
4. Is jaundice dangerous?
It can be mild or serious depending on its underlying cause. Some conditions resolve with supportive care, while others require urgent medical or surgical treatment.
5. Can jaundice disappear without treatment?
Some causes, such as uncomplicated hepatitis A, can resolve with supportive care. However, new jaundice should not simply be assumed to be harmless. The underlying cause should be established.
6. How long does jaundice last?
There is no fixed duration. It depends on the cause, severity and individual recovery. Yellow discoloration can sometimes persist even after other symptoms begin improving.
7. Can jaundice come back?
Yes. Recurrence depends on the underlying cause. A person can also develop a different cause of jaundice at a later time.
8. Can a healthy person suddenly develop jaundice?
Yes. Acute hepatitis, gallstones, bile-duct obstruction, medication-related liver injury and several other conditions can cause jaundice suddenly.
9. Can stress cause jaundice?
Ordinary psychological stress does not usually cause jaundice. However, illness and stress can affect appetite, sleep and overall recovery.
10. Can dehydration cause jaundice?
Dehydration does not usually cause significant jaundice. It can, however, make urine appear darker and may accompany illnesses that cause jaundice.
2. Symptoms of Jaundice
11. What are the common symptoms of jaundice?
Common symptoms include yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, pale stools, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and itching.
12. Why do the eyes become yellow?
Bilirubin accumulates in body tissues, including the whites of the eyes, producing the characteristic yellow colour.
13. Why does urine become dark?
When conjugated bilirubin increases in the blood, it can be excreted through the kidneys, making urine dark.
14. Why can stools become pale?
If bile is unable to reach the intestine normally, stools may become pale or clay-coloured.
15. Can jaundice cause itching?
Yes. Itching is particularly common when bile flow is impaired, a condition known as cholestasis.
16. Can jaundice cause weakness?
Yes. Acute hepatitis and other causes of jaundice can cause significant fatigue and weakness.
17. Can jaundice cause nausea and vomiting?
Yes. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in several forms of acute hepatitis and other illnesses causing jaundice.
18. Can jaundice cause abdominal pain?
Yes. Abdominal discomfort or pain may occur. Severe or persistent abdominal pain requires medical assessment.
19. Can jaundice cause fever?
Yes. Fever may occur when infection or inflammation is involved.
20. Is yellow urine always a sign of jaundice?
No. Dehydration, certain medicines, foods and supplements can change urine colour. Jaundice is better assessed by examining the eyes and measuring bilirubin when clinically indicated.
3. Bilirubin and Liver Function Tests
21. What is bilirubin?
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced mainly when old red blood cells are broken down. The liver processes bilirubin and eliminates it primarily through bile.
22. What is total bilirubin?
Total bilirubin is the combined amount of direct (conjugated) and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin in the blood.
23. What is direct bilirubin?
Direct bilirubin mainly refers to conjugated bilirubin that has been processed by the liver.
24. What is indirect bilirubin?
Indirect bilirubin mainly refers to unconjugated bilirubin before it is processed by the liver.
25. What is the normal bilirubin level?
Reference ranges vary slightly between laboratories. In many adult laboratories, total bilirubin is approximately 0.2–1.2 mg/dL, but the reference range reported by the testing laboratory should be used.
26. Is bilirubin of 2 mg/dL dangerous?
It is elevated in many laboratories, but the significance depends on whether the bilirubin is direct or indirect and on the patient's symptoms and other test results.
27. Is bilirubin of 5 mg/dL dangerous?
A bilirubin of 5 mg/dL is significantly elevated and warrants medical evaluation. The bilirubin level alone does not determine the severity of the underlying disease.
28. Is bilirubin of 10 mg/dL dangerous?
It is substantially elevated and requires medical assessment. The cause, associated liver tests and clinical condition are more important than the number alone.
29. Is bilirubin above 20 mg/dL an emergency?
Very high bilirubin requires prompt medical evaluation, but bilirubin concentration alone does not define whether someone is experiencing an emergency. Symptoms and other markers of liver function are important.
30. Why is bilirubin increasing?
Possible causes include ongoing hepatitis, bile-duct obstruction, medication-related liver injury, haemolysis and other conditions. A rising bilirubin should be reviewed by a doctor.
31. Why is bilirubin falling slowly?
Bilirubin may remain elevated for some time even after the underlying illness begins improving. Persistent or increasing levels require reassessment.
32. What is SGPT/ALT?
ALT (previously commonly called SGPT) is a liver enzyme that can rise when liver cells are injured.
33. What is SGOT/AST?
AST (previously called SGOT) is an enzyme that may rise with liver injury but is also present in muscles and other tissues.
34. What is ALP?
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) can become elevated when bile flow is impaired, although it can also originate from other tissues, particularly bone.
35. What is GGT?
Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme that can help doctors interpret abnormalities involving the liver and biliary system.
36. What does albumin tell us?
Albumin is a protein produced by the liver. Low levels may occur with chronic liver disease but can also have other causes, including inadequate nutrition.
37. What is PT/INR?
PT/INR measures blood clotting. An abnormal INR can be an important indicator of impaired liver synthetic function in appropriate clinical settings.
38. Which tests are commonly performed for jaundice?
Depending on the clinical situation, doctors may request bilirubin, ALT/AST, ALP/GGT, albumin, PT/INR, complete blood count, viral hepatitis tests and abdominal imaging.
39. Does high ALT automatically mean jaundice?
No. ALT can be elevated without jaundice.
40. Can bilirubin be high when other liver tests are normal?
Yes. For example, Gilbert syndrome can cause isolated or predominantly unconjugated bilirubin elevation without significant liver injury.
4. Hepatitis A and E
41. What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection affecting the liver. It is commonly transmitted through contaminated food or water.
42. What is hepatitis E?
Hepatitis E is a viral liver infection commonly transmitted through contaminated water or food and is an important cause of acute hepatitis in India.
43. Can hepatitis A cause jaundice?
Yes. Jaundice is a common manifestation of symptomatic hepatitis A, particularly in adults.
44. Can hepatitis E cause jaundice?
Yes. Jaundice can be prominent in symptomatic hepatitis E.
45. Does hepatitis A become chronic?
Usually no. Hepatitis A generally causes an acute infection and does not normally lead to chronic hepatitis.
46. Does hepatitis E become chronic?
Usually not in people with normal immune function. Chronic hepatitis E can occur in certain immunosuppressed individuals.
47. How does hepatitis A spread?
It is primarily transmitted through the faecal-oral route, often through contaminated food or water or inadequate hand hygiene.
48. How does hepatitis E spread?
It is commonly transmitted through contaminated water or food, although transmission patterns can vary.
49. Can hepatitis A spread within a family?
Yes. Household transmission can occur, particularly when hygiene and sanitation are inadequate.
50. Can a person with hepatitis A share food with family members?
The principal risk is contamination through infected faecal material rather than ordinary social contact. Good hand hygiene, safe food preparation and sanitation are important.
5. Hepatitis B and C
51. How is hepatitis B transmitted?
Hepatitis B can spread through infected blood and body fluids, including sexual transmission, contaminated needles and from an infected mother to her baby.
52. How is hepatitis C transmitted?
Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through infected blood, including unsafe injections, contaminated medical equipment and sharing needles.
53. Can hepatitis B cause jaundice?
Yes. Acute hepatitis B can cause jaundice, although many people may have few or no symptoms.
54. Can hepatitis C cause jaundice?
Yes, although jaundice is relatively uncommon in many people with hepatitis C.
55. Can hepatitis B become chronic?
Yes. Chronic hepatitis B can cause cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.
56. Can hepatitis C be cured?
Yes. Modern direct-acting antiviral medicines can cure the vast majority of people with hepatitis C when appropriately diagnosed and treated.
57. Can hepatitis B be cured?
A definitive cure for most chronic hepatitis B infections is not currently available, but effective antiviral treatment can suppress the virus and substantially reduce the risk of complications.
58. Is there a vaccine for hepatitis B?
Yes. Hepatitis B vaccination provides highly effective protection against infection.
59. Is there a vaccine for hepatitis C?
No vaccine is currently available for hepatitis C.
60. Can hepatitis B or C spread through sharing food?
No. Hepatitis B and C are not normally transmitted by sharing food, water or utensils.
6. Food and Diet During Jaundice
61. What should I eat during jaundice?
The goal is adequate calories, protein, fluids and micronutrients. Choose a varied, balanced diet consisting of foods that are hygienically prepared and well tolerated.
62. Should I eat only fruits?
No. A fruit-only diet does not provide adequate nutrition for most patients.
63. Should I eat only khichdi?
No. Khichdi can be a convenient and easily tolerated meal, but there is no medical requirement to restrict the diet to khichdi.
64. Can I eat rice?
Yes, unless another medical condition requires dietary restriction.
65. Can I eat roti or chapati?
Yes. Roti can form part of a balanced diet.
66. Can I eat dal?
Yes. Dal and other pulses are useful sources of protein and other nutrients.
67. Should protein be stopped during jaundice?
Generally, no. Adequate protein is important for maintaining nutrition. People with advanced liver disease or specific complications may require individualized dietary advice.
68. Can I eat eggs?
Generally yes, if tolerated. Eggs are a nutritious source of protein.
69. Can I eat chicken?
Generally yes. Lean chicken prepared with limited oil can be part of a balanced diet.
70. Can I eat fish?
Generally yes, provided it is fresh, thoroughly cooked and hygienically prepared.
71. Can I eat mutton?
There is no universal prohibition against mutton. However, very fatty or heavily fried preparations may be difficult to tolerate.
72. Can I drink milk?
Milk can generally be consumed if it is tolerated.
73. Can I eat curd?
Yes, if tolerated. Curd can contribute protein and calories.
74. Can I eat paneer?
Generally yes. Lower-fat preparations may be easier to tolerate than heavily fried or very oily preparations.
75. Can I eat fruits?
Yes. Whole fruits can generally be included in a balanced diet.
76. Can I eat bananas?
Yes, unless another medical condition requires potassium or dietary restriction.
77. Can I eat papaya?
Yes. Papaya is nutritious, but it does not cure jaundice.
78. Can I eat pomegranate?
Yes, if tolerated. There is no general medical requirement to avoid pomegranate during jaundice.
79. Can I eat oranges or mosambi?
Yes, if tolerated. Citrus fruits can be part of a balanced diet but should not be considered a treatment for jaundice.
80. Can I drink coconut water?
Yes, for most people, if hygienically prepared and there is no medical reason to restrict it. Coconut water is a beverage—not a treatment for jaundice.
7. Sugarcane Juice and Common Home Remedies
81. Does sugarcane juice cure jaundice?
No. There is no established evidence that sugarcane juice cures hepatitis or directly removes bilirubin.
82. Can I drink sugarcane juice during jaundice?
It may be consumed in moderation if desired, but hygiene is extremely important. Contaminated juice can transmit infections. It should not replace nutritious meals or appropriate medical care.
83. Is drinking more sugarcane juice better?
No. Large quantities do not accelerate liver recovery and provide substantial amounts of sugar.
84. Does coconut water flush bilirubin from the body?
No. It may contribute to fluid intake but does not treat the underlying cause of jaundice.
85. Does lemon water cure jaundice?
No. Lemon water may be a refreshing source of fluid but does not treat hepatitis or bile-duct obstruction.
86. Does turmeric cure jaundice?
No. Turmeric used as a culinary ingredient is not a proven treatment for jaundice.
87. Can turmeric/curcumin supplements affect the liver?
Yes. High-dose turmeric or curcumin supplements have been associated with liver injury in some individuals. This is different from normal amounts used in cooking.
88. Does pomegranate juice cure jaundice?
No. It can be consumed as part of a balanced diet but does not treat the underlying cause.
89. Does glucose water cure jaundice?
No. Glucose water provides carbohydrate and fluid but does not treat the cause of jaundice.
90. Do liver-detox drinks cleanse the liver?
There is no established evidence that commercial detox drinks remove bilirubin or cure liver disease. Some unregulated supplements may themselves cause liver injury.
8. Medicines and Supplements
91. Should I take a liver tonic?
Not routinely. Most commercially marketed liver tonics have not been established as treatments that accelerate recovery from acute hepatitis or other causes of jaundice.
92. Are Ayurvedic or herbal medicines safe during jaundice?
Not necessarily. Natural or herbal products can cause liver injury, interact with medicines or contain contaminants. Tell your doctor about all herbal, Ayurvedic and dietary supplements you are taking.
93. Should I take vitamins during jaundice?
Only when there is an appropriate indication. Vitamin deficiencies may require supplementation, but routine high-dose supplementation is not a treatment for jaundice.
94. Does vitamin B-complex cure jaundice?
No.
95. Does vitamin C cure jaundice?
No.
96. Does vitamin E cure jaundice?
No. High-dose vitamin E should not be taken simply because a person has jaundice.
97. Is paracetamol safe during jaundice?
Paracetamol requires caution in people with liver disease. Excessive doses can cause serious liver injury. Discuss the appropriate dose with your doctor rather than self-medicating.
98. Do antibiotics treat jaundice?
Antibiotics do not treat viral hepatitis such as hepatitis A or E. They should only be used when there is an appropriate bacterial indication.
99. Should I stop my regular medicines if I develop jaundice?
Do not stop prescribed medicines without medical advice. Some medicines may cause liver injury and need to be stopped or changed, but this should be assessed by a doctor.
100. When should someone with jaundice seek urgent medical care?
Seek urgent medical attention if jaundice is associated with confusion or altered behaviour, unusual or severe drowsiness, severe or worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or inability to drink fluids, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, significant bleeding or easy bruising, high fever with jaundice, severe dehydration or markedly reduced urine, rapidly worsening jaundice, abdominal swelling, jaundice during pregnancy, jaundice in a newborn, or known liver disease with sudden deterioration.
Jaundice: 10 Common Myths
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What Should You Do If You Develop Jaundice?
• Consult a qualified doctor and identify the cause.
• Complete recommended blood tests and imaging.
• Maintain adequate nutrition and hydration.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Avoid unnecessary medicines, supplements and “liver detox” products.
• Do not start or stop prescription medicines without medical advice.
• Follow appropriate hygiene and food/water precautions when infectious hepatitis is suspected.
A Simple Rule for Families
Jaundice care = identify the cause + adequate nutrition + safe hydration + hygiene + avoid alcohol + avoid unnecessary medicines/supplements + appropriate monitoring.
There is no scientifically established food that cures jaundice. Dietary restrictions should be individualized when additional conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart failure or advanced liver disease are present.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is intended for general health education and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment. Jaundice can have many different causes, and appropriate investigations are necessary to determine the cause and treatment. If you have jaundice or symptoms suggesting serious illness, please consult a qualified healthcare professional promptly. In an emergency, seek immediate medical attention.
