Jaundice is a common yet serious medical condition that requires timely diagnosis and treatment. It is recognized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes, caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. While jaundice itself is not a disease, it often signals underlying issues related to the liver, bile ducts, or red blood cells.
For people in Hyderabad, knowing about jaundice symptoms, jaundice causes, and the best jaundice treatment in Hyderabad is crucial to ensure timely care and avoid complications. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the different types of jaundice, risk factors, diagnostic methods, and treatment options available in leading hospitals such as People’s Poly Clinic.
What is Jaundice?
Jaundice occurs when the body produces excess bilirubin or when the liver cannot process and excrete it properly. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment formed by the breakdown of red blood cells. In healthy individuals, the liver filters bilirubin and removes it through bile. However, when this process is disrupted, bilirubin builds up in the bloodstream, leading to visible yellow discoloration of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
In Hyderabad, many cases of jaundice are linked to liver diseases causing jaundice, infections like hepatitis, or gallstones that block bile ducts. Understanding these root causes is essential to prevent and manage the condition effectively.
Types of Jaundice and What Causes Them?
The three main types of jaundice are classified based on where the problem originates:
1. Pre-Hepatic Jaundice
This type occurs before the bilirubin reaches the liver, usually due to excessive breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis). Conditions like sickle cell anemia or malaria are common causes.
2. Hepatic Jaundice
This happens when the liver itself is damaged. Hepatitis jaundice (caused by hepatitis A, B, C, or E), cirrhosis, or genetic liver diseases impair the liver’s ability to process bilirubin.
3. Post-Hepatic Jaundice (Obstructive Jaundice)
This type results from blockages in the bile ducts, such as gallstones, pancreatic cancer, or strictures, which prevent bilirubin from leaving the body.
👉 If you’re wondering, “What are the types of jaundice and their causes?”—the answer lies in understanding these three categories and their underlying health conditions.
Risk Factors for Jaundice
Several jaundice risk factors increase the likelihood of developing this condition:
- Genetics: Inherited conditions like Gilbert’s syndrome.
- Lifestyle factors: Excessive alcohol consumption leading to liver disease.
- Pre-existing conditions: Viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones.
- Age: Both newborns (requiring neonatal jaundice treatment) and elderly individuals are more prone to jaundice.
For newborns, neonatal jaundice is usually temporary but requires monitoring and treatment to avoid complications like brain damage (kernicterus).
Certain Medical Conditions That Cause Jaundice
Several diseases are directly responsible for jaundice:
- Hepatitis (A, B, C, E): A major cause of hepatitis jaundice, leading to liver inflammation and damage.
- Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver due to alcohol abuse or chronic infection.
- Gallstones: Block bile flow and cause obstructive jaundice.
- Alcoholic Liver Disease: Long-term alcohol consumption damages the liver.
- Liver Cancer: Malignant growths impair liver function.
In Hyderabad, cases of liver diseases causing jaundice are frequently treated at specialized clinics and hospitals with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities.
Symptoms of Jaundice
The most common jaundice symptoms include:
- Yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
- Dark urine and pale stools.
- Severe fatigue and weakness.
- Abdominal pain and swelling.
- Loss of appetite and nausea.
- Fever in cases of infection.
When these symptoms of jaundice appear, it is critical to seek medical help immediately at a reputed jaundice hospital in Hyderabad.
How is Jaundice Diagnosed?
Many people ask, “How is jaundice diagnosed?” The process involves:
- Blood Tests: To measure bilirubin levels and liver function.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): To identify hemolysis.
- Ultrasound and CT scans: To detect obstructions or liver damage.
- Liver Biopsy: In severe cases, to analyze liver tissue.
Timely jaundice diagnosis helps identify the root cause and allows doctors to create a personalized treatment plan.
What Are the Possible Complications of Jaundice?
If untreated, jaundice can lead to:
- Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
- Increased risk of infections.
- Neonatal jaundice complications, including kernicterus (brain damage).
- Liver failure requiring transplant.
This highlights why early jaundice treatment in Hyderabad is critical.
How is Jaundice Treated?
The treatment depends on the underlying cause:
- Neonatal jaundice treatment: Phototherapy is commonly used to lower bilirubin levels in newborns.
- Hepatitis-related jaundice: Antiviral or supportive therapy.
- Obstructive jaundice: Surgery or endoscopic procedures to remove gallstones or tumors.
- Severe liver disease: In rare cases, a liver transplant.
Patients looking for affordable jaundice treatment in Hyderabad can access advanced therapies at trusted clinics like People’s Poly Clinic.
Can Jaundice Be Prevented?
Yes, prevention is possible through:
- Vaccination for hepatitis A & B.
- Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
- Regular liver health checkups.
- Practicing safe hygiene and safe sex to avoid hepatitis infections.
These steps can reduce the risk of developing jaundice and other liver complications.
👉 For more insights into digestive health, you can also read our guide on causes, symptoms, and treatment for acidity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is jaundice?
Jaundice is a condition where the skin and eyes turn yellow due to excess bilirubin in the blood.
2. What causes jaundice in adults?
Common causes include liver diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis, gallstones, and tumors.
3. What are the different types of jaundice?
Pre-hepatic, hepatic, and post-hepatic jaundice.
4. How is jaundice diagnosed?
Through blood tests, liver function tests, imaging (ultrasound/CT), and sometimes liver biopsy.
5. What are the symptoms of jaundice?
Yellow skin, dark urine, pale stools, fatigue, and abdominal pain.
6. Can jaundice be prevented?
Yes, with hepatitis vaccination, healthy habits, and regular checkups.
7. How is jaundice treated?
Treatment depends on the cause: medications, phototherapy, surgery, or liver transplant.
8. Is jaundice dangerous?
If untreated, jaundice can cause severe complications like liver failure or kernicterus in newborns.
Why Choose People’s Poly Clinic for Jaundice Treatment in Hyderabad?
When searching for the best jaundice hospital in Hyderabad, choosing the right healthcare provider ensures safety, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment. People’s Poly Clinic is a trusted center for jaundice treatment in Hyderabad, offering:
- Expert hepatologists and gastroenterologists.
- Advanced diagnostic tools for accurate jaundice diagnosis.
- Specialized care for both adults and neonates.
- Affordable jaundice treatment tailored to patient needs.
- A patient-first approach with comprehensive aftercare support.
At People’s Poly Clinic, patients receive holistic care for jaundice causes, symptoms, and treatments with world-class facilities in Hyderabad.
