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Jaundice is a symptom like fever. Jaundice is a clinical
manifestation of liver disease caused by viruses,
alcohol, drugs, some bacterial infection. This
jaundice is called non-obstructive
jaundice.
Viruses are the commonest cause of this type of
Jaundice. Stone or
cancer blocking the biliary passage also result in
jaundice. This jaundice is called obstructive
jaundice.
Jaundice caused by viruses are otherwise
called Viral Hepatitis. These viruses are
the Hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D,
E and G. Hepatitis viruses are of two types.
A & E viruses are transmitted through
contaminated water and food. Practice of hygienic habits
and using boiled and filtered water prevents
these two viruses. Vaccine is available for the
prevention of Hepatitis A virus.
B,C,D and G viruses are transmitted through
contaminated needles, unscreened blood transfusion and
sexual contact with persons inflicted by
these viruses. Using disposable needles and screened
blood products can prevent Hepatitis B virus. As such,
there is no vaccine available against C, D, E and G
virus.
If you suspect jaundice, please
follow these instructions.
Consult a doctor and confirm, if it is Jaundice.
Blood investigations will indicate level of jaundice and
type of virus.
Ultrasound scan of liver will differentiate obstructive
from non-obstructive jaundice.
If it is non-obstructive jaundice, drugs and liver
supportives will do.
If it is obstructive jaundice, endoscopy or surgery will
cure or palliate.
Avoid unnecessary diet controls.
Avoid unscientific methods like branding.
HEPATITIS 'B' VACCINATION
Ignorance or Negligence
There is a common myth that Hepatitis-B cannot be
prevented. But with 3 doses of vaccine, Hepatitis-B
viral infection can be prevented. About 5% of the
Indian population is a carrier of Hepatitis 'B' virus.
About 10% of the patients with Hepatitis 'B' virus and
50-70% of patients with Hepatitis 'C' virus disease end
up in chronic liver disease and its attendant life
threatening complications like blood vomiting, fluid
collection in the abdomen, liver coma and liver cancer.
Such patients need immediate attention and long term
follow-up for early identification of complications.
Otherwise the mortality is high. Many of these patients
require immediate attention of an experienced and a
dedicated team in an Intensive Care Unit.
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