What are the treatments for jaundice in adults?

Treatments for jaundice in adults include eliminating the cause, medication, supportive care, and surgical intervention when necessary. Depending on the cause, the treatment will vary. For example, jaundice caused by hepatitis requires antiviral treatment, and biliary obstruction can be improved through surgery. The underlying problem causing jaundice must be resolved to effectively relieve symptoms.

1Treatment of the cause

Jaundice is essentially a manifestation of abnormally elevated bilirubin levels in the blood. Its treatment requires identifying the cause and then treating the symptoms. If the jaundice is caused by viral hepatitis, antiviral drugs such as entecavir, lamivudine or adefovir can be used to inhibit viral replication and protect liver cell function. If it is alcoholic liver disease, liver function can be improved by quitting drinking and supplementing B vitamins. If drug-induced liver damage causes jaundice, the relevant drugs must be discontinued immediately, and liver protection drugs must be used in combination to reduce liver cell damage.

2. Drug treatment

In addition to cause-specific medications, patients with jaundice may need to use some supportive medications to improve their condition. For example, ursodeoxycholic acid can be used to promote bile flow and help excrete bilirubin. Maintaining electrolyte balance and supplementing vitamins such as vitamin K to help blood clotting can also effectively support the body's normal functions during illness. In addition, if accompanied by severe itching symptoms, antihistamines such as loratadine can be used to relieve discomfort.

3 Surgery or interventional treatment

Some jaundice caused by bile duct obstruction or gallstones requires surgical or interventional treatment to solve the problem of bile duct obstruction. Common methods such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can directly remove bile duct stones and relieve obstruction; if the obstruction is severe, a metal stent can be placed to improve bile drainage. Jaundice caused by bile duct tumors may require further surgical resection.

4Dietary conditioning and care

During treatment, dietary conditioning is crucial for the recovery of jaundice. It is recommended to choose a light, easily digestible diet and avoid high-fat, high-protein diets to reduce the burden on the liver. At the same time, supplement more vegetables and fruits rich in dietary fiber to help promote gastrointestinal motility and bilirubin excretion. Drinking warm water in moderation can also help excrete metabolic waste.

The treatment plan for jaundice needs to be formulated according to the cause, severity of the disease and individual conditions of the patient, and cannot be treated blindly. If jaundice is suspected, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible for a comprehensive examination. After the cause is determined, you should cooperate with the doctor to complete the treatment. This will effectively solve the problem and avoid serious complications. Timely intervention and care are crucial. By adhering to scientific treatment, most patients can achieve a good prognosis.