How to Treat or Cure Jaundice

Jaundice itself is not treated alone. Doctors treat the cause and watch for complications.

Step 1: Confirm the cause

Blood tests, urine tests and an abdominal ultrasound show whether the problem is before, in or after the liver.

Step 2: Treat the cause

• Viral hepatitis A or E: rest, fluids and monitoring. Most recover fully in weeks.
• Hepatitis B or C: specialist care, sometimes with antiviral medicines
• Gallstones or blocked bile duct: ERCP, stone removal, stenting or surgery
• Tumours: specialist cancer care
• Alcohol-related liver disease: stop alcohol and get nutrition and medical support
• Medicine-related: stop or change the offending medicine as advised
• Haemolysis: treat the blood disorder
• Newborn jaundice: phototherapy, feeding support and, in severe cases, exchange transfusion

Step 3: Support and monitor

Rest, fluids, a light diet, no alcohol and repeat liver tests. Itching and nausea can be treated.

Step 4: Hospital care

Needed for confusion, bleeding, severe vomiting, bile duct infection, very high bilirubin in babies or signs of liver failure.

Is it curable?

Many causes of jaundice, such as hepatitis A, gallstones and newborn jaundice, resolve fully with treatment. Chronic liver disease needs long-term care.

Complementary care

Ayurveda or other systems may be used as an adjunct under a qualified practitioner. They should not delay diagnosis or hospital treatment.

Key point

Early diagnosis and treating the cause give the best outcome.

Before your appointment

Note when the yellow colour began and the colour of your urine and stools. List all medicines, herbs, supplements and alcohol use. Mention fever, itching, abdominal pain, weight loss, recent travel, injections, transfusions, tattoos and contact with others with jaundice. For a baby, note birth date, feeding pattern, wet nappies and the mother's blood group. Ask about tests, the likely cause and which signs need urgent care. Call 112 for confusion, bleeding or severe pain with fever.