Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Causes of jaundice: red cell breakdown, hepatitis, alcohol, medicines, gallstones, bile duct blockage and newborn jaundice.
Jaundice has three broad groups of causes, depending on where the problem lies.
Before the liver: too much bilirubin made
In the liver: the liver cannot process bilirubin
After the liver: bile cannot drain
Newborn jaundice
Most is physiological because the baby's liver is still maturing. Prematurity, breastfeeding difficulties, infection and blood group mismatch can make it worse.
Ayurvedic view
Ayurveda links kamala to aggravated Pitta from hot, spicy and sour food, alcohol and daytime sleep. This is a traditional framework.
Key point
The treatment depends entirely on the cause, so finding it with tests comes first.
Before your appointment
Note when the yellow colour began and the colour of your urine and stools. List all medicines, herbs, supplements and alcohol use. Mention fever, itching, abdominal pain, weight loss, recent travel, injections, transfusions, tattoos and contact with others with jaundice. For a baby, note birth date, feeding pattern, wet nappies and the mother's blood group. Ask about tests, the likely cause and which signs need urgent care. Call 112 for confusion, bleeding or severe pain with fever.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem
Explore more articles about this topic
What is jaundice: yellow skin and eyes from bilirubin, why it happens, who gets it and why it needs a doctor.
Jaundice medicines depend on the cause: hepatitis care, procedures, phototherapy for babies, vaccines and cautions.
Jaundice home care: rest, fluids, no alcohol, hygiene and follow-up, and why folk cures and herbs are unsafe.
How jaundice is treated: confirm the cause, treat it, support recovery and know when hospital care is needed.
Ayurvedic view of jaundice (kamala): Pitta links, traditional herbs, limited evidence and liver-safety cautions.
How jaundice is diagnosed: history, bilirubin and liver tests, hepatitis tests, ultrasound and newborn bilirubin checks.
