What Is Jaundice? Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Jaundice is more than just yellow skin—it’s a warning sign that something in the body isn’t functioning as it should. Whether in newborns, children, or adults, jaundice can signal liver dysfunction, blood disorders, or issues in the bile system. This condition is particularly important in pediatric care, where timely diagnosis and management are crucial for long-term health outcomes.

In this in-depth article from Sarvesh Health City, the best pediatric hospital in Hisar, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about jaundice—what causes it, how it presents, and how it’s managed—especially in children.

What Is Jaundice? A Simple Explanation

Jaundice is a medical condition where the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes turn yellow due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment that forms when red blood cells break down. It’s usually processed by the liver and excreted in stool. However, if there’s too much bilirubin or the liver can’t handle it, jaundice develops.

Types of Jaundice

Jaundice is classified based on where the problem lies in the bilirubin metabolism pathway:

1. Pre-hepatic jaundice: Caused by excessive breakdown of red blood cells (e.g., hemolytic anemia).

2. Hepatic jaundice: Due to liver damage or liver diseases like hepatitis.

3. Post-hepatic jaundice: Resulting from obstruction in the bile ducts (e.g., gallstones or tumors).

4. Neonatal jaundice: A common and usually temporary condition in newborns.

Each type has different underlying causes and requires a specific approach to management.

What Causes Jaundice?

There are many underlying causes of jaundice, and identifying the root cause is critical for treatment. Common causes include:

In Newborns:

• Physiological jaundice (immature liver function)

• Breast milk jaundice

• Blood group incompatibility (Rh or ABO)

• Infections (sepsis, TORCH infections)

• Premature birth

In Children and Adults:

• Hepatitis A, B, C, or E

• Liver cirrhosis

• Gallstones

• Genetic disorders (e.g., Gilbert’s syndrome)

• Hemolytic anemia

• Biliary atresia in infants

At Sarvesh Health City, we offer state-of-the-art diagnostics to pinpoint the exact cause of jaundice in pediatric and adult patients.

Common Symptoms of Jaundice

While yellow discoloration is the most recognizable sign, jaundice may come with a variety of other symptoms, depending on the cause:

• Yellowing of skin and eyes

• Dark urine

• Pale stools

• Itching

• Fatigue

• Abdominal pain

• Nausea or vomiting

• Weight loss (in chronic conditions)

In newborns, symptoms may also include poor feeding, lethargy, or a high-pitched cry.

How Is Jaundice Diagnosed?

Early diagnosis is essential, especially in newborns and young children. The diagnosis usually involves:

• Physical examination (skin, eyes, abdomen)

• Blood tests:

  • Bilirubin levels (total, direct, indirect)

  • Liver function tests (LFTs)

  • Complete blood count (CBC)

  • Viral markers (hepatitis screening)

• Ultrasound or CT scan (if obstruction is suspected)

• Liver biopsy (in rare, complex cases)

The pediatricians at Sarvesh Health City use the latest diagnostic technologies to provide a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized care plan.

Managing Jaundice in Newborns and Children

Management depends on the type and cause of jaundice. Let’s look at the various approaches:

1. Phototherapy

One of the most effective treatments for neonatal jaundice, phototherapy involves placing the baby under a special blue light that helps break down bilirubin through the skin.

2. Adequate Hydration and Feeding

Ensuring the newborn is feeding well helps flush out bilirubin through urine and stool.

3. Exchange Transfusion

In severe cases, where bilirubin levels are dangerously high, exchange transfusion is done to replace the baby’s blood.

4. Treating Underlying Conditions

• Antibiotics for infections

• Antiviral therapy for hepatitis

• Surgery for blocked bile ducts or biliary atresia

At Sarvesh Health City, our pediatricians and neonatologists create customized treatment plans based on the child’s condition, ensuring rapid recovery and minimal complications.

Managing Jaundice in Adults

For older children and adults, treatment focuses on eliminating the root cause, such as:

• Antiviral medications for viral hepatitis

• Liver support therapy in cases of liver damage

• Gallbladder surgery in case of bile duct blockage

• Iron or vitamin supplementation if due to anemia

Complications of Untreated Jaundice

Ignoring jaundice can lead to serious complications, especially in infants. These include:

• Kernicterus: A type of brain damage caused by excess bilirubin in newborns

• Liver failure

• Chronic liver disease

• Severe anemia

• Developmental delays in children

That’s why prompt diagnosis and treatment at a trusted pediatric hospital like Sarvesh Health City in Hisar is vital.

Preventing Jaundice: What You Can Do

While not all types of jaundice are preventable, some preventive measures can reduce the risk:

• Timely vaccination against hepatitis A and B

• Proper prenatal care

• Early detection of blood group incompatibility in pregnancy

• Safe food and water practices

• Healthy liver habits—avoid alcohol, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly

Expectant mothers should be particularly cautious to minimize risks to the newborn.

Why Sarvesh Health City is the Best Pediatric Hospital in Hisar for Jaundice Management

At Sarvesh Health City, we take a comprehensive, compassionate, and child-centered approach to jaundice care. Here’s why we’re the best choice:

• Highly experienced pediatricians and neonatologists

• 24x7 NICU support

• Advanced diagnostic tools

• State-of-the-art phototherapy units

• Individualized care plans

• Infection control and safety-first protocols

We don't just treat jaundice—we ensure complete liver health for your child, with continuous monitoring, family counseling, and follow-ups.

When to See a Doctor

If your baby or child shows any signs of yellowing skin or eyes, don’t delay. Seek medical help if you notice:

• Poor feeding

• Extreme sleepiness

• High-pitched crying

• Fever

• Sudden vomiting

Early medical attention can make a life-changing difference.

Conclusion: Don’t Ignore the Yellow Warning

Jaundice is not a disease, but a symptom—a vital clue from your body. Whether it’s a harmless condition in newborns or a sign of serious liver dysfunction in older children, timely intervention is the key to recovery.

At Sarvesh Health City, Hisar, we believe in early detection, precise diagnosis, and compassionate care. If you suspect jaundice in your child, trust the best pediatric hospital in Hisar to guide you through every step with expertise and empathy.