What’s the matter with high jaundice?
Jaundice is a common clinical symptom characterized by yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera (the white part of the eye). It is usually caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a product of the breakdown of red blood cells and is normally processed and excreted by the liver. Jaundice occurs when there is a problem with the metabolism or excretion of bilirubin. The following is a detailed analysis of high jaundice.
1. Main causes of high jaundice
The causes of high jaundice can be divided into three categories: prehepatic, hepatic, and posthepatic. The following are specific classifications and descriptions:
| Type | Reason | common diseases |
|---|---|---|
| Prehepatic jaundice | Excessive destruction of red blood cells and bilirubin production exceeding the liver's processing capacity | Hemolytic anemia, malaria, transfusion reactions |
| hepatic jaundice | Impaired liver function and bilirubin metabolism disorder | Hepatitis, cirrhosis, drug-induced liver injury |
| posthepatic jaundice | Biliary duct obstruction, obstruction of bilirubin excretion | Gallstones, bile duct cancer, pancreatic cancer |
2. Symptoms of high jaundice
In addition to yellowing of the skin and sclera, jaundice may be accompanied by the following symptoms:
| Symptoms | Possible reasons |
|---|---|
| Darker urine color | Bilirubin is excreted in the urine |
| Stool color becomes lighter | Biliary obstruction prevents bilirubin from entering the intestines |
| Itchy skin | Bile salt deposits irritate skin |
| Fatigue, loss of appetite | Impaired liver function |
3. Diagnosis method of high jaundice
Doctors usually diagnose the cause of jaundice through the following tests:
| Check items | purpose |
|---|---|
| blood test | Measure bilirubin levels and liver function indicators |
| Urine test | Detection of urinary bilirubin and urobilinogen |
| Imaging examination | Ultrasound, CT or MRI to examine the liver and bile ducts |
| liver biopsy | Determine the nature of liver disease |
4. Treatment methods for high jaundice
Treatment for jaundice depends on its underlying cause. The following are common treatments:
| Treatment | Applicable situations |
|---|---|
| drug treatment | Hepatitis, hemolytic anemia, etc. |
| surgical treatment | Gallstones, tumors, etc. |
| Phototherapy | neonatal jaundice |
| supportive care | Nutritional supplements and liver-protective drugs |
5. How to prevent jaundice
The key to preventing jaundice is to protect the liver and avoid factors that may cause jaundice:
1.Healthy eating:Avoid high-fat, high-sugar diets and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits.
2.Moderate exercise:Enhance physical fitness and promote metabolism.
3.Avoid alcohol abuse:Alcohol can damage liver function.
4.Get vaccinated:Such as hepatitis B vaccine to prevent viral hepatitis.
5.Regular physical examination:Early detection of liver or biliary tract disease.
6. Precautions for neonatal jaundice
Neonatal jaundice is relatively common, most of which are physiological, but the following should be noted:
| situation | Handling suggestions |
|---|---|
| Jaundice appears early (within 24 hours after birth) | Seek medical attention immediately, it may be pathological jaundice |
| Jaundice that lasts long (more than 2 weeks) | Need to check whether there is biliary atresia or other diseases |
| Severe jaundice (yellowing of the skin spreading to the extremities) | Timely phototherapy or exchange transfusion treatment |
High jaundice is a symptom that needs attention and may be a sign of many diseases. If you or a family member develops jaundice, you should seek medical attention promptly to identify the cause and receive targeted treatment.
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