Jaundice on the rise, docs stress on increased awareness

Stating that the death toll due to jaundice has doubled over the past two decades, Dr Joy Varghese, Director, Department of Hepatology and Transplant Hepatology, Gleneagles Global Hospital, said, “An annual incidence of 2.76 per 1000 population were stated and confirmed by physicians. The disease, which is a condition in which there is yellowish discolouration of the eyes, skin and mucous membranes, is caused by the building up of bilirubin in the blood, which is formed when haemoglobin is destructed in the spleen and liver. While the condition itself is difficult to manage and treat, the signs and symptoms of jaundice which include fever, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal distension, leg swelling, blood vomiting, black coloured stools, breathing difficulty, itching and pale stools can be easily noticed.”

It is, therefore, important to keep an eye out for these symptoms to avoid the advancement of the disease. “The treatment of this disease depends on the understanding of the cause of the elevated bilirubin level in the body. This condition is medically managed for most cases with antiviral or steroid medications. Conditions with gallstones, liver or pancreatic cancer can be cured by surgical intervention, which can be either dealt with laparoscopic or an open-surgical procedure. In complicated cases, the patient may need to undergo a liver transplantation, which will be the best and final curative option,” he added.

Stating that a simple blood test showing elevated bilirubin levels in the blood can confirm if a person has jaundice, Dr Anand P, a Hepatologist, said, “It is important to get yourself tested if you identify the symptoms. Based on the tests, the doctors will check to see if there is any obstruction in the liver. It is always important to get treated early to avoid complications.”

It may be noted that people with pre-existing medical conditions such as gallstones, tuberculosis, congenital diseases or any liver related diseases are likely to develop jaundice as well. In new born babies, though it is not fatal, jaundice commonly occurs during the first five days of their life. “This condition is medically managed for most cases with antiviral or steroid medications. In complicated cases, the patient may need to undergo a liver transplantation,” added Dr Varghese.