Is jaundice and abnormal liver function serious?

Jaundice and abnormal liver function may be a sign of a serious problem, and the cause must be identified as soon as possible for timely treatment. Common causes include viral hepatitis, biliary obstruction, cirrhosis, etc., and treatment methods include drug therapy, surgical intervention, and dietary adjustment.

1Possible causes of jaundice and abnormal liver function

Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and sclera caused by increased bilirubin in the blood, often accompanied by abnormal liver function indicators such as alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin.

Genetic factors: such as Gilbert syndrome, which causes abnormal bilirubin metabolism in the body. Usually mild.

Environmental factors: such as excessive drinking, exposure to harmful chemicals or drug toxicity, which can cause liver cell damage or even death.

Physiological factors: For example, bile duct obstruction such as gallstones and tumors hinder the excretion of bilirubin, causing bilirubin to flow back into the blood.

Disease factors: Viral hepatitis such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver, cirrhosis and other serious diseases cause liver damage or cholestasis.

2 Common treatment methods and

Drug treatment: For confirmed viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis B, entecavir or tenofovir can be used to control viral replication. If it is caused by biliary obstruction, liver protection drugs such as galactopyr can be taken as auxiliary treatment.

Surgical intervention: For obstruction caused by gallstones, laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be considered; if caused by a tumor, partial hepatectomy or higher-level interventional treatment may be required.

Lifestyle adjustment: Avoid drinking alcohol, reduce the intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods, and help the liver recover through a low-fat and low-salt diet and adequate sleep. It is recommended to eat more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, such as broccoli and carrots.

Traditional Chinese medicine conditioning: You can use Chinese medicine such as Yinchenhao Decoction that has the effect of soothing the liver and promoting bile secretion, and use it under the guidance of a doctor.

It is particularly important to seek medical attention promptly. If the whites of your eyes are visibly yellow or accompanied by abnormal symptoms such as fatigue and abdominal pain, you should go to the hospital as soon as possible for liver function and imaging tests, such as B-ultrasound and CT scans, to confirm the diagnosis.

Jaundice and abnormal liver function are warning signals from the body, which may indicate varying degrees of liver damage. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible to identify the cause and choosing appropriate treatment methods according to the doctor's advice are the key to improving the condition and preventing it from progressing to serious consequences. Promote a healthy lifestyle, have regular physical examinations, detect problems in a timely manner, and protect liver health.