Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
How jaundice is treated: confirm the cause, treat it, support recovery and know when hospital care is needed.
Jaundice itself is not treated alone. Doctors treat the cause and watch for complications.
Step 1: Confirm the cause
Blood tests, urine tests and an abdominal ultrasound show whether the problem is before, in or after the liver.
Step 2: Treat the cause
Step 3: Support and monitor
Rest, fluids, a light diet, no alcohol and repeat liver tests. Itching and nausea can be treated.
Step 4: Hospital care
Needed for confusion, bleeding, severe vomiting, bile duct infection, very high bilirubin in babies or signs of liver failure.
Is it curable?
Many causes of jaundice, such as hepatitis A, gallstones and newborn jaundice, resolve fully with treatment. Chronic liver disease needs long-term care.
Complementary care
Ayurveda or other systems may be used as an adjunct under a qualified practitioner. They should not delay diagnosis or hospital treatment.
Key point
Early diagnosis and treating the cause give the best outcome.
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)
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