Treatment of Jaundice:

The treatment of jaundice in adults and older children will depend on the underlying condition.  After having a number of different tests to determine the cause of your jaundice, the appropriate treatment will be recommended.

Anemia: Anemia is a condition that occurs when there is a reduced number of red blood cells, or a reduced concentration of hemoglobin (a substance that stores and carries oxygen in red blood cells). There are a number of different types of anemia and each type has a different cause.

If your jaundice is being caused by anemia, you may need to increase the amount of iron in your blood by taking iron supplements, or by including more iron-rich foods in your diet.

In cases of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (where the body’s immune system attacks healthy red blood cells), treatment with corticosteroids may be required. However, if corticosteroids fail to successfully control the condition, immunoglobulin may be recommended. Immunoglobulin is a type of protein that functions as an antibody.

Hepatitis: Hepatitis is a condition that is caused by a virus, and results in inflammation of the liver. There are several types of hepatitis virus that can infect the liver. Hepatitis A and B are the most common types. If your jaundice is caused by hepatitis, you might need to take anti-viral or steroid medications. However, not all types of hepatitis can be treated.

Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis (liver damage) is a serious condition that destroys healthy liver tissue, leaving scar tissue that can block the flow of blood through the liver. Cirrhosis progresses slowly, gradually causing the liver to stop functioning.

Cirrhosis cannot be cured, but treatment can slow the condition’s progress. Treatment also aims to reverse any liver damage that has already occurred. If you have cirrhosis, depending on the underlying cause, you may be prescribed medication, and/or advised to cut down on your consumption of alcohol.

Obstruction: If your jaundice is caused by an obstruction, such as a gallstone, or a tumor, you may need surgery in order to remove it.

Gallstones are usually treated by surgically removing your gallbladder, using a procedure called a cholecystectomy. A cholecystectomy is minimally invasive surgery (‘keyhole’ surgery), where a small incision is made. However, in about 10% of cases, keyhole surgery is not possible and an open cholecystectomy is required, where the gallbladder is removed through a larger incision in the abdomen.

Gilbert’s syndrome: Gilbert’s syndrome is a harmless condition that does not cause any symptoms. It produces a build up of bilirubin in the blood, which is usually removed by the liver. However, in people with Gilbert’s syndrome, the liver is unable to remove bilirubin from the body, and mild, temporary jaundice can occur. There is no treatment for Gilbert’s syndrome, but you should inform health professionals that you have this condition if you need to have hospital tests.

Medication: If your jaundice is caused by taking a particular type of medication, your physician might be able to prescribe an alternative for you.

Neonatal jaundice: In most cases, neonatal jaundice disappears on its own, after 7-10 days, without any treatment. However, if jaundice persists after this time, phototherapy, also known as light therapy, may be needed. During phototherapy, the baby is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, usually for a period of 1-2 days. The UV light breaks down the bilirubin, making it easier for the baby’s liver to get rid of it. If phototherapy does not work, and the levels of bilirubin are very high, a blood transfusion may be needed.