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Jaundice Recovery

Jaundice is a condition where too much bilirubin is circulating in the blood. Bilirubin is produced from the breakdown of hemoglobin from the red blood cells. Too much bilirubin causes the yellowing of the skin and eyes. It can occur in adults, babies or children.

  1. Jaundice

    • Jaundice is common in newborns. It will usually resolve itself without any treatment. Adults experiencing jaundice may be have suffered liver damage. It is important to seek treatment because this can lead to liver failure.

    Diagnosis

    • Jaundice can be diagnosed by a doctor's examination. In most cases, the doctor will order a series of tests to determine the cause of the jaundice in adults.

    Causes

    • Some causes of jaundice include hepatitis, cirrhosis, pancreatic cancer and malaria. It can also be caused by disorders involving bilirubin.

    Treatment

    • The treatment depends on the reason behind the jaundice. In some circumstances, the jaundice may be a permanent problem. This is usually the case for cirrhosis and hepatitis. Other cases may involve surgery or antibiotics, or even require a liver transplant.

    Recovery

    • Recovery, much like treatment for jaundice, depends on the cause. For patients on antibiotics or with recurrent jaundice, there is little if any recovery time. For patients who undergo a liver transplant, recovery can take about 12 weeks.

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