What are the ways to get rid of jaundice?

Jaundice can be relieved by removing the cause, taking medication, and adjusting diet. Choose the appropriate treatment plan according to the severity of the condition. For different types of jaundice, appropriate measures should be taken based on the specific cause and physical condition, and seek medical attention in a timely manner if necessary.

1. Cause treatment

Jaundice is a symptom of yellowing of the skin, sclera, and other tissues due to abnormal bilirubin metabolism. It can be caused by a variety of reasons, including hemolytic diseases, liver dysfunction, or bile duct obstruction. Neonatal jaundice is usually physiological and can be improved with observation and simple care; pathological jaundice is often related to infection or hepatobiliary disease and requires treatment based on the cause. For example:

Infectious jaundice: If caused by hepatitis B virus, antiviral treatment should be carried out to control viral replication through anti-hepatitis B drugs such as entecavir and tenofovir.

Biliary obstructive jaundice: If caused by gallstones, stones can be removed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and surgery can be performed if necessary.

Hemolytic jaundice: If caused by hemolytic anemia, folic acid supplementation, blood transfusion or hormone treatment can be used.

2. Drug treatment

For jaundice, drugs to improve liver function and bilirubin metabolism are common methods. The following are some common drug treatments:

Hepatoprotectants: such as polyene phosphatidylcholine, used to protect liver cells and promote repair.

Bilirubin metabolism promoters: such as phenobarbital, can be used for pathological jaundice in neonates to help accelerate bilirubin metabolism.

Choleretics: such as ursodeoxycholic acid, help relieve bile stasis and improve jaundice.

3. Diet adjustment

Dietary adjustment can help mild jaundice to a certain extent and improve symptoms by enhancing liver metabolic function.

High-protein diet: Eat a moderate amount of lean meat, fish, etc. to meet the nutrients needed for liver repair.

Increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables: such as carrots and spinach, which are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and are beneficial to liver function.

Avoid excessive greasy food and alcohol: to reduce the burden on the liver and promote recovery.

4. Light therapy

Phototherapy is a common and safe method for neonatal jaundice. Through blue light irradiation, bilirubin in the blood can be converted into a water-soluble form, which can be excreted through urine or feces. It must be performed under the guidance of professional medical care to ensure safety.

If jaundice persists for a long time or is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, itchy skin, etc., it may indicate more serious liver and gallbladder problems. You should go to the hospital for examination as soon as possible, and use blood tests and imaging tests such as B-ultrasound or CT to determine the cause, and take targeted treatment measures.

The premise of effectively removing jaundice is to identify the cause and carry out symptomatic treatment. Mild jaundice can be improved through diet adjustment or phototherapy, but pathological jaundice must be treated promptly to avoid worsening of the condition or even life-threatening. During the treatment process, bilirubin levels and liver function indicators should be monitored regularly to ensure recovery.