A person who does not have a medical education and has little knowledge of scientific terminology hardly knows that jaundice is an independent disease. It is 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 speak in an accessible language about the varieties, provoking factors, manifestations and therapy of this unpleasant ailment.
Introductory part
To begin with, we give a brief description of the syndrome. Jaundice is a color change (staining) of the proteins of the eyes, skin and mucous membranes due to the increased concentration of a certain pigment in the blood plasma - bilirubin. Symptoms, course and severity will directly depend on the true cause of the syndrome. As we found out, the main culprit that changes the color of body parts is bilirubin. It is synthesized from the used hemoglobin.
An excess of indirect pigment (not combined with acid) is very toxic to the tissues and organs of our body. A lot of trouble and anxiety gives newborns and their parents. Physiological jaundice in infants is formed as a result of the breakdown of chemical reactions and red blood cells, and then accumulates in the tissues. In some cases, treatment is not required - the symptom complex disappears after a few weeks on its own.
Types of jaundice and their features
In the process of a thorough study of metabolic disorders of the pigment substance, experts decided to classify the pathology by type. Each form has individual characteristics and is treated according to a certain scheme. We will understand all the nuances.
Obstructive or mechanical
According to medical workers, it often occurs against the background of malignant formations of the biliary tract, also with gallstone disease, hypernephroma, and helminthic invasion. Almost immediately stains the skin and sclera of the eyes with obstructive jaundice. Treatment is carried out with a minimally invasive and drug 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 increases, feces become discolored. With prolonged stagnation of bile , liver cells are deformed, their functional activity is disrupted.
Cholestatic jaundice
It develops after a bacterial or infectious disease. Equally diagnosed with cholestatic jaundice in adults and children. A blood test shows a significant increase in bilirubin, while pigment metabolites are absent in feces and urine. By external changes in the skin (turns yellow), the doctor can determine the disease.
Hemolytic type
Due to the type of decay of red blood cells - red blood cells. Jaundice disease of this form develops instantly: the patient is concerned about swelling, fainting, anemia. According to statistics, the hemolytic type is more common in newborns. It is explained by the presence of bilirubin in the body, which poisons the baby. On palpation and ultrasound, an increase in 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 adverse.
Parenchymal or hepatic form
Dissolved red blood cells (free bilirubin) are transported to the blood and bile capillaries due to impaired liver cell function. From a huge dose of pigment, the body experiences tremendous stress and crashes. Parenchymal jaundice is differentiated by palpation of the spleen and liver.
This helps doctors make a diagnosis (in addition to blood and urine tests). During palpation, a marked compaction and an increase in internal organs. The patient experiences pain and malaise. Comprehensive therapy is mandatory. The prognosis is favorable provided that the requirements of the doctor are met.
Food-grade carotene jaundice
According to doctors, it is necessary to distinguish between such concepts as true and false jaundice. What kind of ailment in a patient can be found out only at a doctor's appointment. The carotene form is false. It appears as a result of frequent eating of orange products, for example, carrots or oranges. A clinical blood test reveals an abundance of beta-carotene (vitamin A), which gives the skin, eyes, 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 clear the body of carotene. To avoid this, monitor your diet.
Can I get jaundice?
Hepatitis B and C are a danger to humans. The disease is transmitted through sexual contact, through the bloodstream, placenta (transfusion, medical instruments, toothbrush, manicure devices). Another equally threatening disease is viral hepatitis A (Botkin's disease). You can catch a pathological condition through poorly purified water, unwashed foods, infected objects, and 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, fever increases. Hospitalization and constant medical supervision are required.
General clinical manifestations
We found out which jaundice is contagious and life-threatening. Now we describe the manifestations that are identical for all types of disease. Knowing the clinical symptoms, a person will be able to prevent the disease in a timely manner by contacting a medical institution for help . The main distinguishing feature of the pathology is yellowness of the eye proteins, mucous membranes and skin.
However, with each form, the shade is different. When mechanical, the skin surface acquires a yellow-olive color with a brown tint. The liver form is characterized by a bright orange color, and hemolytic - lemon yellow. The disease is accompanied by itching, enlargement of the liver, spleen, the occurrence of spider veins, and fever.
In this case, the color of urine changes - it becomes dark. There are violations on the side of the nervous system: tormented by apathy, irritability, weakness, insomnia. The presence of similar symptoms should encourage you to contact your local GP.
Diagnostic measures
It is not difficult and difficult to accurately determine the pathology. By the anamnesis, external signs, liver biopsy and clinical studies (blood, feces, urine) it is easy to determine the cause of the syndrome. Additional diagnostic methods are mandatory: MRI, ultrasound, liver scan, duodenal sounding, tomography.
Therapies
Infectionists, hematologists, general practitioners and surgeons are authorized to prescribe treatment after a full medical examination and a correct diagnosis. The main methods of dealing with the disease: medical and surgical methods, as well as phototherapy and endoscopy. Surgical intervention (elimination of adhesions, gall bladder, formations, crushing stones) is carried out if mechanical jaundice is delivered.
Treatment of a disease of infectious origin is carried out only inpatiently - maintenance therapy for liver function is prescribed. Blood transfusion is indicated for the hemolytic type. Complex therapy helps well. The positive dynamics are shown by phototherapy, which contributes to the processing of pigment and its removal from the body. It is prescribed for both adults and infants. Also, dietary supplements are considered as treatment methods. Supplements help restore liver cells, metabolic processes, and detoxify. Patients are prescribed hepatoprotective drugs (liver protecting agents), antispasmodic drugs. There are tons of treatment options. The choice of therapeutic technique remains with the doctor.
Diet will speed recovery
A properly balanced menu is an integral attribute in the treatment of this pathological condition (liver damage). Along with taking medications, the patient should adhere to a diet (on the recommendation of a specialist). Children under the age of one receive only breast milk or an adapted mixture.
Fatty meats, egg yolk, preservation, seasonings, harmful sweets (muffin, chocolate, sweets) are completely excluded from the diet. All dishes should be served only in boiled, stewed, steamed, baked form. In small dosages, butter, natural candy, honey, marshmallows are allowed. You need to add more fresh fruits, vegetables, greens. A plentiful drink is required: mineral water, tea, herbal infusions, compotes, jelly.
Alternative medicine recommends ...
In combination with traditional treatment, you can use herbal components that contribute to the passage 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 salt-free pickled cabbage and beet syrup - alternate drinks every other day (250 ml twice a day).
Negative consequences
All types of jaundice can cause irreparable harm and provoke terrible complications. Do not let the pathology drift. Toxic pigments have a detrimental effect on all internal organs, cause Krigler-Nayyar syndrome, neuropsychiatric disorders, acute pancreatitis, hemolysis, oncology, cirrhosis.
So, we introduced readers to a dangerous condition that does not know the age limits and causes dangerous consequences. To avoid infection, be careful: avoid fast food items, do not drink tap water, thoroughly rinse foods, and do not contact with street animals. We will not mention safe sexual contact - everyone must know about this. Armed with someone who is knowledgeable and takes preventive measures.