Prevention of Jaundice

Jaundice is a yellowish staining of the skin and eyes that can appear in newborns and adults. Adults develop this condition because of a disorder involving the liver, and jaundice is usually a symptom of another condition. In infants, this condition is caused because of a chemical called bilirubin, which builds up in a baby's blood. Everyone's blood contains bilirubin, and it is naturally removed by the liver. A pregnant woman removes the bilirubin from the fetus's liver, but it can take a few days for a baby to develop this function.

Medication

Zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP) is a drug that has demonstrated the ability to fight off neonatal jaundice by inhibiting heme oxygenase (HO), which blocks the breakdown of red blood cells. Because this is a temporary condition that lasts for several days, it is important to combat jaundice with an effective chemopreventive agent.

Phototherapy

Medical professionals might place your baby under special lights that are designed to lower the bilirubin level in the body, preventing jaundice. Your baby's blood and skin absorb the light waves during phototherapy and change bilirubin into other products, which can easily pass through the system. The only side effect of phototherapy is that it loosens the bowel system, but that goes away when treatment is complete. This treatment is done in a hospital or clinic.

Screening

One of the safest and effective methods of preventing the onset of neonatal jaundice is to incorporate a simple screening method. This screening method is designed to measure the carbon monoxide production in the body by using a breath test. This test is able to identify high levels of bilirubin before it reaches a toxic level and causes jaundice. In extreme cases, jaundice can lead to brain seizures and brain damage.

Jaundice in Adults

To prevent jaundice in adults, understand how this condition is caused. Disorders that cause jaundice include alcoholic cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, cancer of the pancreas, biliary stricture, drug-induced cholestasis, hemolytic anemia and autoimmune hepatitis. By eating a healthy diet that is high in fruits and vegetables and exercising, you can lower your risk of developing many of these disorders. It's essential to avoid alcohol abuse, smoking, and intravenous drug use. The best way for adults to prevent jaundice is to live a healthy and active lifestyle.