A person who does not have a medical education and knows little about scientific terminology is unlikely to know that jaundice is a dependent disease. It would be more correct to say that this is a series of clinical manifestations in Botkin's disease, hepatitis, or pathological conditions of internal organs, including the liver. We are faced with an important task - to tell in an accessible language about the varieties, provoking factors, manifestations and therapy of this unpleasant disease.
Introductory part
First, let's give a brief description of the syndrome. Jaundice is a discoloration (staining) of the proteins of the eyes, skin and mucous membranes due to an increased concentration in the blood plasma of a certain pigment - bilirubin. Symptoms, course and severity will directly depend on the true cause that provoked the syndrome. As we found out, the main culprit that changes the color of body parts is bilirubin. It is synthesized from used hemoglobin.
Excess indirect pigment (not combined with acid) is very toxic to the tissues and organs of our body. It brings a lot of trouble and anxiety to newborns and their parents. Physiological jaundice in infants is formedas a result of the breakdown of chemical reactions and erythrocytes, then accumulates in the tissues. In some cases, treatment is not required - the symptom complex disappears on its own after a few weeks.
Types of jaundice and their characteristics
In the process of a thorough study of pigment metabolism disorders, experts decided to classify the pathology by type. Each form has individual characteristics and is treated according to a specific scheme. We will understand all the nuances.
Obstructive, or mechanical
According to medical workers, it often occurs against the background of malignant tumors of the biliary tract, also with cholelithiasis, hypernephroma, and helminthic invasion. Obstructive jaundice stains the skin and sclera of the eyes almost immediately. Treatment is carried out by a minimally invasive and medical method. If you do not take action, then there is a blockage of the biliary tract.
High probability of their rupture. If this happens, then all the bile will enter the bloodstream. As a result, the liver with the spleen enlarges, the feces become discolored. With prolonged stagnation of bile, liver cells are deformed, their functional activity is disrupted.
Cholestatic jaundice
Develops after a bacterial or infectious disease. Cholestatic jaundice is equally diagnosed in adults and children. A blood test shows a significant increase in bilirubin, while pigment metabolites are absent in feces and urine. According to external changes in the skin (stained in yellow), the doctorcan identify disease.
Hemolytic type
Due to the type of breakdown of red blood cells - erythrocytes. The disease jaundice of this form develops instantly: the patient is disturbed by edema, fainting, anemia. According to statistics, the hemolytic type is more common in newborns. It is explained by the presence in the body of bilirubin, which poisons the baby. On palpation and ultrasound, an enlargement of the spleen is noticeable. This disease is transmitted at the genetic level - from close relatives and ancestors. In the absence of proper therapy and medical supervision, the consequences are extremely unfavorable.
Parenchymal or hepatic form
Decomposed erythrocytes (free bilirubin) are transported to the blood and bile capillaries due to impaired functioning of liver cells. From a huge dose of pigment, the body experiences tremendous stress and fails. Parenchymal jaundice is differentiated by palpation of the spleen and liver.
It helps doctors make a diagnosis (besides blood and urine tests). During palpation, compaction and an increase in internal organs are noticeable. The patient experiences pain and discomfort. Be sure to conduct complex therapy. The prognosis is favorable, provided that the requirements of the doctor are met.
Food grade carotene jaundice
According to doctors, one should distinguish between such concepts as true and false jaundice. What kind of ailment the patient has, you can find out only at the doctor's appointment. carotene formrefers to false. It appears as a result of frequent eating of orange-colored foods, such as carrots or oranges. A clinical blood test reveals an abundance of beta-carotene (vitamin A), which gives the skin, eye membranes and mucous membranes an orange color.
This is not a pathology and does not require medical supervision. To eliminate the unnatural color of the skin, it is enough to exclude products containing enzymes from the menu. However, it must be understood that it may take 12 months to completely cleanse the body of carotene. To avoid this phenomenon, control your diet.
Can I get jaundice?
Hepatitis B and C are dangerous to humans. The disease is transmitted through sexual contact, through blood, placenta (transfusion, medical instruments, toothbrush, manicure devices). Another no less threatening disease is viral hepatitis A (Botkin's disease). You can catch a pathological condition through poorly purified water, unwashed food, contaminated objects, a handshake.
There are three stages of the course of the disease: mild, moderate and severe (epidemic). In each case, viral hepatitis A proceeds differently. The most dangerous form is epidemic. The patient has CNS disorders, the risk of hepatic coma and fever increases. Hospitalization and constant medical supervision are required.
Common clinical manifestations
We found out which jaundice is contagious andposes a threat to life. Now we will describe the manifestations that are identical in all types of the disease. Knowing the clinical symptoms, a person will be able to prevent the disease in a timely manner by seeking help from a medical institution. The main distinguishing feature of the pathology is the yellowness of the whites of the eyes, mucous membranes and skin.
However, each form has a different shade. In mechanical form, the surface of the skin acquires a yellow-olive color with a brown tint. The hepatic form is characterized by a bright orange color, and the hemolytic form is lemon yellow. The disease is accompanied by itching, enlarged liver, spleen, spider veins, fever.
This changes the color of the urine - it becomes dark. Violations of the nervous system are observed: apathy, irritability, weakness, insomnia torment. The presence of similar symptoms should prompt a visit to the local therapist.
Diagnostic measures
It is not difficult and difficult to accurately establish the pathology. By history, external signs, liver biopsy and clinical examination (blood, feces, urine), it is easy to determine the cause of the syndrome. Additional diagnostic methods are required: MRI, ultrasound, liver scan, duodenal sounding, tomography.
Therapy Methods
Authorized to prescribe treatment infectiologists, hematologists, therapists and surgeons after a complete medical examination and correct diagnosis. The main methods of dealing with the disease: medical and surgical methods, as well asphototherapy and endoscopy are also performed. Surgical intervention (elimination of adhesions, gallbladder, formations, crushing of calculi) is carried out if obstructive jaundice is present.
Treatment of a disease of an infectious origin is carried out only in a hospital - maintenance therapy is prescribed for liver function. Blood transfusion is indicated for the hemolytic type. Combined therapy helps a lot. Positive dynamics is shown by phototherapy, which promotes the processing of the pigment and its removal from the body. It is prescribed for both adults and infants. Also, the methods of treatment include the use of dietary supplements. Supplements help restore liver cells, metabolic processes, and detoxify. Patients are prescribed hepatoprotective drugs (means that protect the liver), antispasmodic drugs. There are many treatment options. The choice of therapeutic technique remains with the doctor.
Diet will speed up recovery
A properly balanced menu is an essential attribute in the treatment of this pathological condition (liver damage). Along with taking medication, the patient must adhere to a diet (as recommended by a specialist). Babies under one year of age receive only breast milk or adapted formula.
Fatty meats, egg yolk, conservation, seasonings, harmful sweets (buns, chocolate, sweets) are completely excluded from the diet. All dishes should be served only boiled, stewed, steamed, baked. Allowed in small dosesbutter, natural marshmallow, honey, marshmallow. It is necessary to add more fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs. Plentiful drinking is required: mineral water, tea, herbal infusions, compotes, jelly.
Alternative Medicine recommends…
In combination with traditional treatment, you can use herbal ingredients that promote the discharge of bile. Decoctions and infusions of dandelions, yarrow, plantain, calendula have proven themselves well. Proportions - half a glass three times a day. It does not hurt to consume s alt-free sauerkraut brine and beetroot syrup - alternate drinks every other day (250 ml twice a day).
Negative Consequences
All types of jaundice can cause irreparable harm and cause terrible complications. Do not let pathology take its course. Toxic pigments have a detrimental effect on all internal organs, causing Crigler-Najjar syndrome, neuropsychiatric disorders, acute pancreatitis, hemolysis, oncology, cirrhosis.
So, we have introduced readers to a dangerous condition that knows no age limits and causes dangerous consequences. To avoid infection, be vigilant: avoid fast food outlets, do not drink tap water, wash food thoroughly, and do not come into contact with street animals. We will not mention safe sexual contact - everyone should know about it. Those who are aware and take preventive measures are armed.
