Jaundice Treatment: Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Anemia-induced jaundice may be treated by increasing the amount of iron in the blood by either taking iron supplements or eating more iron-rich foods. Hepatitis-induced jaundice requires antiviral or steroid medications. Doctors can treat obstruction-induced jaundice by surgically removing the obstruction. If the jaundice has been caused by use of a medication, treatment for involves changing to an alternative medication.

Pre-hepatic jaundice

The objective of this treatment is to prevent rapid breakdown of red blood cells that's causing bilirubin levels to build up in the blood. In cases where pre-hepatic jaundice has been caused by an infection, such as malaria, medication to treat the underlying infection is usually recommended. For genetic blood disorders, such as sickle cell anaemia or thalassaemia, blood transfusionsmay be required to replace the red blood cells. Gilbert's syndrome doesn't usually require treatment because the jaundice associated with it isn't particularly serious and doesn't pose a serious threat to health.

Intra-hepatic jaundice

In cases of intra-hepatic jaundice, little can be done to repair any liver damage, although the liver can often repair itself over time. The aim of treatment is to prevent further liver damage. For liver damage caused by infection, such as viral hepatitis or glandular fever, anti-viral medications may be used to help prevent further damage. If the damage is caused by alcohol or exposure to harmful substances, reducing alcohol consumption or avoiding further exposure to the substance is recommended. In severe cases of liver disease, a liver transplant is another possible option. However, only a small number of people are suitable candidates for a transplant and the availability of donated livers is limited.

Symptoms will usually resolve without treatment within 2 weeks. However, infants with extremely high bilirubin levels will require treatment with either a blood transfusion or phototherapy

The treatment can be done by any patient but it is advised to talk to your doctor and give your full medical history. After a full examniation and only after a series of tests will the doctor be able to tell if there will be any complications during the treatment.

Bilirubin levels may rebound 18 to 24 hours after stopping phototherapy, although this rarely requires further treatment. Side effects – Phototherapy is very safe, but it can have temporary side effects, including skin rashes and loose stools

The post treatment guidelines are usually a change in diet and or lifestyle and are usually recommended by the doctor.

On an average jaundice took around 15 days to cure followed by 2 months of precautions in eating.

Rs. 2000 - Rs. 15,000

The results of the treatment are permanent

Ayurvedic Jaundice Treatment

Ayurvedic treatment of Jaundice nvolves pacifying aggravated body energies using herbs that stimulate the function of the liver and increase the flow of bile in the bile duct. Digestion is also restored with the help of a customized diet plan to ensure efficient metabolism.

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

Avoid hot, spicy, oily, and heavy foods; eat a vegetarian diet.Avoid refined flour, polished rice (white rice), mustard oil, mustard seeds, asafetida, peas, canned and preserved foods, cakes, pastries, chocolates, alcoholic beverages, and aerated drinks.

Increase intake of whole-wheat flour, brown rice or parboiled rice, mangoes, bananas, tomatoes, spinach, potatoes, Indian gooseberries (amla), grapes, radishes, lemons, dried dates, raisins, almonds, and cardamom. Avoid unnecessary exercise and stressful conditions such as anxiety or anger.

Take complete rest. Avoid working under the sun or near boilers and furnaces.

Home Remedies

Mix 1 teaspoon of roasted barley powder with a glass of water. Add 1 teaspoon of honey to it and have this twice a day.Add 1 teaspoon paste of basil leaves to a glassful of radish juice. Have this juice twice a day for 15-20 days.Take one teaspoon pulp of Indian Aloe Vera with black salt and dry ginger powder every morning for a period of 10 days. Mash bitter gourd and extract its juice. Take one-fourth cup of the juice in the early morning daily.