About this topic
Bilirubin builds up and turns your skin and the whites of your eyes yellow. This is jaundice. Bilirubin is a waste product of old red blood cells. The liver helps break down bilirubin. Your body gets rid of it in your stools and urine. Jaundice can be a sign of other health problems. There may be problems with your liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. Jaundice may be caused by: ‚
- Infections
- Use of certain drugs
- Cancer
- Blood disorders
- Gallstones
- Birth defects
Treating the problem causing this condition may make it go away. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor will order antibiotics if an infection is the cause of the jaundice.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may give you drugs to treat the health problem causing the jaundice. The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower fever
- Relieve headache
- Treat an upset stomach or throwing up
Will physical activity be limited?
Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol). ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Talk to your doctor about shots for hepatitis A and B.
- Keep a healthy weight.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills
- Loss of appetite
- Bowel movements that are gray or white
- Very pale skin
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you when I can go back to my normal activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have gray or white bowel movements.
Where can I learn more?
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Jaundice/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚