Jaundice Cirrhosis Treatment

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver, according to the Mayo Clinic. Complications associated with cirrhosis include jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Causes

• A person can develop cirrhosis from many diseases and conditions, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Cystic Fibrosis, or chronic alcohol abuse. If left untreated, complications including jaundice can arise.

Symptoms

• Besides the typical symptoms associated with jaundice including yellowing of the skin and eyes, a person suffering from jaundice associated with cirrhosis may exhibit other symptoms. These can include fatigue, bruising, loss of appetite, nausea, swelling in the legs, or weight loss, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Testing

• When the liver cannot get rid of old red blood cells, known as bilirubin, jaundice associated with cirrhosis can occur. A blood test or liver biopsy may be used for a positive diagnosis, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Treatment

• Once diagnosed by a health care professional, jaundice associated with cirrhosis will be treated to prevent further liver damage. According to the National Institutes of Health, that may include stopping certain medications. If the condition worsens, a liver transplant may be considered.

Complications

• Jaundice associated with cirrhosis can make a person more susceptible to infections, according to the Mayo Clinic. Malnutrition is also a concern, as the body may not process nutrients as it should, leading to weakness and weight loss.