The treatment for jaundice will typically be contingent on what illness has caused the condition. Medical intervention may include treatment of gallstones or hepatitis, if these conditions have caused a jaundice in the individual. This is because, ideally, the best course of action is to treat the disease that has caused the patient to develop jaundice, not merely treat the symptoms.
When a person becomes jaundiced, it may be due to a disease. Jaundice is a condition in which the skin and the whites of the eyes take on a yellowish tinge. A chemical produced by the body known as bilirubin may become excessively active in the individual due to various factors or diseases, leading to the discoloration in the skin.
Conditions and diseases of the liver are common causes for jaundice. Hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver are two such causes, and treatment for the jaundice will include medications to control the hepatitis or cirrhosis. If this discoloration or yellowing of the skin becomes toxic or life threatening, the condition is known as pathologic jaundice.
Some newborns are born with jaundice, which typically does not require treatment. In many cases, the jaundiced infant's skin will soon return to normal as the condition clears on its own. Generally this will happen within a few days or a week. The properties in the natural sunlight may be beneficial, especially in a newborn with jaundice. Careful monitoring is recommended when undergoing light therapy.
There are some home remedies that have been used for jaundice treatment. Some individuals believe that eating tomatoes and lemons helps to alleviate a jaundiced condition. Others advocate consuming fresh fruits and vegetables and eliminating red meat until the jaundiced appearance disappears.
Various other treatments for this condition may be helpful to some patients. Limiting the daily consumption of dairy foods may help. Getting sufficient rest is crucial to recovery as well. The patient should consume plenty of fluids to help flush toxins from the body. Coconut water may be beneficial to some patients.
Some herbal remedies include powdered turmeric and ginger root. Chamomile tea may act as a natural anti-inflammatory and may improve jaundiced conditions as well. It is important to note, however, that chamomile may not be safe for young children and infants. This should be done under the supervision of a physician.
