Jaundice in children, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment – Agrawal Gastrocare Center Indore

Jaundice in children

Bilirubin, a yellow substance, causes jaundice. Bilirubin is produced by the liver, spleen, and bone marrow from broken-down red blood cells. The liver subsequently excretes bilirubin from the body via bile, which goes into the stool. When bilirubin is not eliminated from the body quickly enough, levels in the blood rise and cause jaundice.

Causes of jaundice in children

Bilirubin development causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. Jaundice in children can be an indication of a more serious medical condition. Jaundice in children and teenagers is unusual and may indicate a health problem that requires care. If your child exhibits any of the symptoms of this disorder, you should take him or her to the doctor.

Jaundice can develop in children for a variety of reasons, including:

• Viral infections that cause liver disease, including such hepatitis B and C
• Epstein Barr virus-induced liver inflammation
• Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition in which the body’s immune system destroys the liver cells.
• Cirrhosis is a chronic liver condition in which good liver tissue is displaced by scar tissue.
• Excessive red blood cell breakdown caused by anaemia or malaria.
• A bile duct or liver tumor.

Symptoms of jaundice in children

Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes are the most visible indications of jaundice. Jaundice can also modify the colour of physiological fluids, resulting in pale feces and black urine.

If your child’s jaundice is caused by a serious medical disease, such as hepatitis, they may also experience the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Exhaustion
• Yellowish skin and eyes
• Dark urine
• Itchy skin
• Weight loss

Jaundice symptoms must be considered seriously.

Treatment of jaundice in children

The underlying issues must be treated in order to treat jaundice. The numerous therapy possibilities are as follows, based on the exact cause. As each child has unique symptoms, each child’s treatment is unique. Doctors recommend medications to alleviate symptoms. Changes in your lifestyle, such as adopting healthy eating habits and getting enough sleep, may also help in the relief of your symptoms.

Dr. Amit Agarwal
Director & Gastroenterologist Consultant
Agarwal Gastrocare Center Indore