How to Treat Jaundice

Jaundice, which is also called hyperbilirubinemia, is a condition often present in babies, but the condition can also affect adults. Jaundice happens when there is a high level of bilirubin, a chemical present in liver bile.[1] This condition causes your skin, eye whites, and mucous membranes to turn yellow.[2] Although this is not necessarily a dangerous condition, jaundice may be the sign of an underlying disease that requires treatment.[3]

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Seeking Medical Help

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    See your doctor. If you or your child develop any signs or symptoms of jaundice, see you doctor as soon as possible. You may not need treatment for the jaundice, but if there is an underlying condition causing it, this will require medical attention.[4] Some symptoms of short-term jaundice in adults are:
    • Fever
    • Chills
    • Abdominal pain
    • Other flu-like symptoms
    • A change in your skin color and whites of eyes to a more yellow pallor.[5]
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    Seek treatment for a child or infant with jaundice. Children and infants can also develop jaundice. Jaundice is common in infants and it often goes away on its own within two weeks.[6] However, severe jaundice can cause serious complications for some infants.[7] [8]
    • To check for jaundice, look for a yellowish skin tone and a yellowish tone to the whites of your infant or child's eyes.
    • If your child or infant develops jaundice, then call your doctor right away.
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    Receive a definitive diagnosis. In adults, jaundice is often caused by underlying conditions that require treatment. Your doctor man run tests to confirm a diagnosis of these conditions causing your jaundice and then formulate a treatment plan from there. You may need to have have to have blood work, an ultrasound, CT scan, or even a liver biopsy to find the cause of your jaundice. Common conditions that can cause jaundice include:
    • Hepatitis A
    • Chronic Hepatitis B and C
    • Epstein-Barr viral infection, or infectious mononucleosis
    • Excessive alcohol consumption
    • Autoimmune or genetic disorders
    • Gallstones
    • Gallbladder inflammation
    • Gallbladder cancer
    • Pancreatitis
    • Certain medications such as acetaminophen, penicillin, oral contraceptives and steroids may also cause jaundice.[9]
    • Your doctor can diagnose jaundice by looking for signs of liver disease including bruising, spider angiomas, palmar erythema, and urinalysis that indicates the presence of bilirubin. Your doctor may also use imaging or liver biopsy to confirm a diagnosis.[10]
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    Treat underlying conditions. If your doctor discovers an underlying condition that are causing your jaundice, she will likely treat that to see if it clears up other related health issues. Treating causes and complications of underlying conditions may help relieve your jaundice.[11]
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    Allow jaundice to clear on its own. In most cases, jaundice will go away without treatment. Speak with your doctor to make sure that foregoing treatment is the best option for you, especially if you have underlying conditions causing jaundice.[12]
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    Take medication for itching.[13] Some people with jaundice experience itching. If the itching becomes bothersome or affects your daily life, take a medication such as cholestyramine to relieve your symptoms.[14]
    • Cholestyramine works by controlling cholesterol in the liver.[15]
    • Side effects of this medication include abdominal discomfort, indigestion, nausea, flatulence, and constipation.[16]
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    Get treatment for your infant. Infant jaundice is very common and, like adult jaundice, often doesn’t require any treatment.[17] However, if your doctor diagnoses jaundice in your baby, she could call for one of the following treatments to help relieve the condition:
    • Phototherapy, which uses light to help your baby excrete excess bilirubin
    • Intravenous immunoglobulin, which can reduce antibodies in your baby that cause jaundice
    • Exchange transfusion, which is a type of blood transfusion that removes small amounts of blood and dilutes bilirubin. Exchange transfusions are used only in severe cases of infant jaundice.[18]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Preventing Jaundice

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    Avoid hepatitis infections. Contracting the hepatitis virus is one of the main causes of jaundice in adults. Avoiding contact with the virus as much as you possibly can may minimize your risk for contracting not only hepatitis, but also jaundice.[19]
    • You can prevent Hepatitis A with a vaccine. Anyone can get this vaccine.[20]
    • Hepatitis A is spread when a person eats tiny amounts of fecal matter, most often in tainted foods.[21] Be careful when traveling for food that hasn’t been properly cooked or cleaned.[22]
    • You can also prevent Hepatitis B with a vaccine. Any person from newborns to adults can receive this vaccine.[23]
    • There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.[24]
    • Hepatitis B and C are spread through the blood and bodily fluid of an infected individual, but not through casual contact.[25] Avoid reusing any type of needles—from tattoos to recreational drugs—to help prevent the spread of these viruses.[26]
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    Stay within recommended alcohol consumption limits. Since your liver processes alcohol and is the source for jaundice, limit your alcohol consumption to daily recommended values. Not only can this help alleviate the symptoms of jaundice, but may also keep you from contracting alcohol-related liver diseases such as cirrhosis.[27]
    • The recommended daily limit for women is 2-3 units of alcohol. For men, the recommended daily limit is 3-4 units.[28]
    • As a reference point, one bottle of wine has 9-10 units of alcohol.
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    Maintain a healthy weight. Keeping your weight at a within a stable and healthy range can promote your overall healthy. But this can also keep your liver healthy, and in turn prevent jaundice.[29]
    • Maintaining your is easy if you eat healthy, balanced, and regular meals. Food choices that are nutrient rich and contain moderate fat and complex carbohydrates, are best to promote your general health.
    • Keep your daily calorie intake around 1,800-2,200, depending on how active you are. You should get your calories from nutrient-dense whole foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, dairy, and lean proteins.[30]
    • Exercise is important to maintaining your weight and promoting your overall health.
    • Participate in low-impact, moderate intensity cardiovascular activities every day.[31] Aim to exercise for least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.[32]
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    Manage your cholesterol. Keeping your cholesterol in check can not only help prevent jaundice, but also help maintain your overall health. You can manage your cholesterol through healthy diet and exercise or, in other cases, with prescription medication.[33]
    • Eating more soluble fiber, healthy fats, and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can help manage your cholesterol. Foods such as lean cuts of meat, low-fat dairy, olive oil, salmon, almonds, oats, lentils, and vegetables contains these three nutrients.[34]
    • Reduce or eliminate trans fats from your diet. Trans fats increase your bad, or LDL, cholesterol. Limiting or stopping your intake of foods such as fried foods and commercial products including baked goods, cookies, and crackers may help control your cholesterol.[35]
    • Thirty minutes of exercise a day can help increase the levels of good, or HDL, cholesterol, in your body.[36]
    • There is some evidence that quitting smoking will increase your HDL cholesterol levels.[37]
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    Ensure your infant is getting adequate feedings. Making sure that your baby is getting enough to eat throughout the day. This is the best prevention or jaundice in infants.[38]
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    If you breastfeed, your baby should get 8-12 feedings per day in the first week of life.[39]
    • If you are feeding your infant formula, she should get 1-2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters) of formula every two to three hours during her first week of life.[40]
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Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

  • Question
    How long does it take for Jaundice to go away?
    Raj Vuppalanchi, MD
    Raj Vuppalanchi, MD
    Academic Hepatologist
    Dr. Raj Vuppalanchi is an Academic Hepatologist, a Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, and the Director of Clinical Hepatology at IU Health. With over ten years of experience, Dr. Vuppalanchi runs a clinical practice and provides care to patients with various liver disorders at the University Hospital in Indianapolis. He completed dual fellowships in Clinical Pharmacology and Gastroenterology-Hepatology at Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Raj Vuppalanchi is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a member of the American Association for Study of Liver Diseases and the American College of Gastroenterology. His patient-oriented research is dedicated to finding new treatments for various liver disorders as well as the use of diagnostic tests for non-invasive estimation of liver fibrosis (transient elastography) and portal hypertension (spleen stiffness).
    Raj Vuppalanchi, MD
    Raj Vuppalanchi, MD
    Academic Hepatologist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    That all depends on what's causing your jaundice. I suggest you talk to your doctor to figure out what's going on and what treatment will work best for you.
  • Question
    How do you treat jaundice in adults?
    Raj Vuppalanchi, MD
    Raj Vuppalanchi, MD
    Academic Hepatologist
    Dr. Raj Vuppalanchi is an Academic Hepatologist, a Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, and the Director of Clinical Hepatology at IU Health. With over ten years of experience, Dr. Vuppalanchi runs a clinical practice and provides care to patients with various liver disorders at the University Hospital in Indianapolis. He completed dual fellowships in Clinical Pharmacology and Gastroenterology-Hepatology at Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Raj Vuppalanchi is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a member of the American Association for Study of Liver Diseases and the American College of Gastroenterology. His patient-oriented research is dedicated to finding new treatments for various liver disorders as well as the use of diagnostic tests for non-invasive estimation of liver fibrosis (transient elastography) and portal hypertension (spleen stiffness).
    Raj Vuppalanchi, MD
    Raj Vuppalanchi, MD
    Academic Hepatologist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Jaundice can be caused by many different things, so you'll need to get treatment for whatever underlying condition is causing it. To help relieve your symptoms, your doctor may also give you anti-itch medication and a sleep aid.
  • Question
    How do you treat jaundice in adults?
    Raj Vuppalanchi, MD
    Raj Vuppalanchi, MD
    Academic Hepatologist
    Dr. Raj Vuppalanchi is an Academic Hepatologist, a Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, and the Director of Clinical Hepatology at IU Health. With over ten years of experience, Dr. Vuppalanchi runs a clinical practice and provides care to patients with various liver disorders at the University Hospital in Indianapolis. He completed dual fellowships in Clinical Pharmacology and Gastroenterology-Hepatology at Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Raj Vuppalanchi is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a member of the American Association for Study of Liver Diseases and the American College of Gastroenterology. His patient-oriented research is dedicated to finding new treatments for various liver disorders as well as the use of diagnostic tests for non-invasive estimation of liver fibrosis (transient elastography) and portal hypertension (spleen stiffness).
    Raj Vuppalanchi, MD
    Raj Vuppalanchi, MD
    Academic Hepatologist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    That all depends on what's causing the jaundice. I suggest you see your doctor so they can diagnose and treat your underlying condition. In the meantime, they may prescribe medication to relieve any itching and sleeplessness you're expereincing.
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References

  1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic-Adult-Jaundice-Hyperbilirubinemia
  2. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic-Adult-Jaundice-Hyperbilirubinemia
  3. ↑ Raj Vuppalanchi, MD. Academic Hepatologist. Expert Interview. 28 October 2020.
  4. ↑ Raj Vuppalanchi, MD. Academic Hepatologist. Expert Interview. 28 October 2020.
  5. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic-Adult-Jaundice-Hyperbilirubinemia
  6. ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007491.htm
  7. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Jaundice/Pages/Introduction.aspx
  8. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic-Adult-Jaundice-Hyperbilirubinemia
  9. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic-Adult-Jaundice-Hyperbilirubinemia
  1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic-Adult-Jaundice-Hyperbilirubinemia
  2. ↑ Raj Vuppalanchi, MD. Academic Hepatologist. Expert Interview. 28 October 2020.
  3. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic-Adult-Jaundice-Hyperbilirubinemia
  4. ↑ Raj Vuppalanchi, MD. Academic Hepatologist. Expert Interview. 28 October 2020.
  5. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic-Adult-Jaundice-Hyperbilirubinemia
  6. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548431/
  7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548431/
  8. ↑ https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/newborn-jaundice.aspx
  9. ↑ https://www.rch.org.au/uploadedFiles/Main/Content/neonatal_rch/EXCHANGE_TRANSFUSION.pdf
  10. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic-Adult-Jaundice-Hyperbilirubinemia
  11. ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-6-hepatitis-a-vaccine.html
  12. ↑ Raj Vuppalanchi, MD. Academic Hepatologist. Expert Interview. 28 October 2020.
  13. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-a/basics/causes/con-20022163
  14. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-a/basics/prevention/con-20022163
  15. ↑ https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-c
  16. ↑ https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/hepatitis/
  17. ↑ Raj Vuppalanchi, MD. Academic Hepatologist. Expert Interview. 28 October 2020.
  18. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic-Adult-Jaundice-Hyperbilirubinemia
  19. ↑ http://www.drinksmarter.org/what-is-sensible-drinking
  20. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic-Adult-Jaundice-Hyperbilirubinemia
  21. ↑ http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/nutrition/dietary-guidelines-and-myplate/healthy-eating-for-women
  22. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic-Adult-Jaundice-Hyperbilirubinemia
  23. ↑ http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00531
  24. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic-Adult-Jaundice-Hyperbilirubinemia
  25. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/howtolowercholesterolwithdiet.html
  26. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/reduce-cholesterol/art-20045935
  27. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/reduce-cholesterol/art-20045935
  28. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/reduce-cholesterol/art-20045935
  29. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infant-jaundice/basics/prevention/con-20019637
  30. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infant-jaundice/basics/prevention/con-20019637
  31. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infant-jaundice/basics/prevention/con-20019637

About This Article

Raj Vuppalanchi, MD
Co-authored by:
Raj Vuppalanchi, MD
Academic Hepatologist
This article was co-authored by Raj Vuppalanchi, MD. Dr. Raj Vuppalanchi is an Academic Hepatologist, a Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, and the Director of Clinical Hepatology at IU Health. With over ten years of experience, Dr. Vuppalanchi runs a clinical practice and provides care to patients with various liver disorders at the University Hospital in Indianapolis. He completed dual fellowships in Clinical Pharmacology and Gastroenterology-Hepatology at Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Raj Vuppalanchi is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a member of the American Association for Study of Liver Diseases and the American College of Gastroenterology. His patient-oriented research is dedicated to finding new treatments for various liver disorders as well as the use of diagnostic tests for non-invasive estimation of liver fibrosis (transient elastography) and portal hypertension (spleen stiffness). This article has been viewed 51,432 times.
3 votes - 73%
Co-authors: 10
Updated: March 12, 2023
Views: 51,432
Categories: Liver Health

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

To treat jaundice, start by seeing your doctor immediately for a definitive diagnosis, since some types of jaundice don't need any treatment and other types may be caused by a serious underlying condition. If your doctor determines that an underlying condition isn't the cause of the jaundice, it will typically go away on its own in about 2 weeks. You can ask your doctor about the prescription medication cholestyramine if your jaundice is accompanied by severe itching, since it can provide some relief. For tips on preventing jaundice, read on!

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