Can someone die from jaundice?

jaundice doesn't cause death, unless it’s left untreated, which means it will be a precursor to a disease called hepatitis, which is a fatal ailment. Usually, jaundice caused by the Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C viruses also permanently scars the liver and results in chronic infections of the organ. In that case, the sufferer may be afflicted by liver cancer or cirrhosis. Jaundice is actually the most common disorder of the liver. However, even if the fatality rate of jaundice isn’t high, the condition should not be ignored as it is an ailment of the liver, which is a vital organ.

Some amount of the red blood cells in our body retire on a daily basis. In four months, these cells become fragile and turn into a yellowish chemical called bilirubin. This substance is expelled from the body through liver and kidneys. But when the liver malfunctions, it fails to expel the bilirubin, causing jaundice. The main symptoms of jaundice are fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, headache, nausea, and the whites of the eyes and skin turning yellow. Jaundice is caused by consuming contaminated water or food and also because of an obstruction of the bile ducts. Diseases like haemolytic anemia, typhoid, malaria, TB, and yellow fever also result in jaundice.

There are many home remedies that help in treating jaundice. But, the first and foremost thing to do when suffering from jaundice is drinking only boiled water and including absolutely no butter or oil in your food. Mixing ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of hot water and consuming the decoction about four times a day is a good treatment for jaundice. You can also take 10 grams of fine turmeric powder and mix it with about 100 grams of curd once everyday to get rid of the ailment in a short time. If you want not only a cure for jaundice but also want to get rid of it permanently, coarsely crush roasted gram and mix in sugarcane juice. Consume one glass of this mix everyday. Alternatively, you can consume just sugarcane juice everyday, or better still, chew sugarcane to treat the problem of jaundice. Radish leaves are also great curers of jaundice. To make a tonic of these leaves, crush them and extract the juice. Drink at least one glass of this juice everyday. Other than these treatments, the sufferer must take adequate rest and only do light exercises. And, it’s most important to see a doctor immediately.

answered by G M

Jaundice is one of the diseases that affects the liver. It is among the most common of liver diseases known to mankind. Jaundice is diagnosed medically due to an increase in bile pigments known as bilirubin in the blood sample. Increase in bilirubin leads to yellowing of the skin and the mucous membranes. The urine also appears dark yellow in color. This condition is caused due to obstruction of the bile ducts. The obstruction of the bile ducts results in bile discharge mixing with blood and resulting in yellow pigmentation of the skin. The symptoms associated with jaundice are fatigue, weakness, vomiting, loss of appetite, severe constipation, nausea, fever and yellow discoloration of the tongue, skin, eyes and urine. Itching could also be a fall out in case of obstructive jaundice. Jaundice can be treated with home remedies as well as with diet and lifestyle control. The risk of death exists only in severe, untreated or undetected cases of jaundice.

Jaundice can be treated with the help of a wide variety of herbal and natural remedies that are available locally. Intake of sugarcane juice and tender coconut water is known to be an effective remedy as fluid intake keeps the body hydrated and fights fatigue and dehydration. Having barley water is also helpful Boil a cup of barley in two to three liters of water. This decoction can be consumed throughout the day. The focus should on a liquid diet so include effective remedies such as tomato juice, carrot juice, bottle gourd juice, coriander seed and water decoction and radish juice to speed the recovery process. Include raw or steamed salads and break meal times into four to five mini meals instead of three meals a day. Resistance is low during jaundice therefore having any fried; oily or canned foods that can cause a relapse. For the same reason it is very important to continue a no-oil, light diet for as long as possible. Shift to a low oil diet as bilirubin levels regain normalcy. Restrict eating outside completely and eat only home cooked foods until recovery. Cooking oils and ingredients used in restaurants can further complicate this disorder; therefore exercising restraint can be beneficial in aiding recovery.

Jaundice recovery is supplemented by adequate rest and relaxation. You have to give the body time to recuperate. Eat light, have adequate sleep and spend time with family or indulge in light activities that you could not do earlier due to time constraints. Take a break from work and commitments until medically certified as fit.

answered by M W