Jaundice In Children: Types, Causes, Symptoms, And Remedies

Image: Shutterstock

Jaundice in children causes the skin, whites of the eyes (sclerae), and mucous membranes to turn yellow. The yellowish tint usually starts on the face and moves down the body. It is an indication of a condition called hyperbilirubinemiaⁱA condition in which too much bilirubin accumulates in the blood. , where a waste product called bilirubin (yellow-orange bile pigment) accumulates in the blood (1) (2).

Jaundice may occur in adults, children, and newborn babies; however, the conditions that cause jaundice in children are different from newborns (3). For example, while jaundice in newborns generally indicates a developing liver, it may indicate a liver disease in older children (1).

Read on about the types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for jaundice in children.

Types Of Jaundice In Children

Jaundice is categorized into three types (4) (5):

1. Pre-hepatic jaundice, also called non-obstructive or medical jaundice, is when the liver enzyme bilirubin is produced in excess. Due to impaired metabolism, the liver fails to conjugate and excrete bilirubin into the gut, resulting in an elevation of unconjugated bilirubin. Pre-hepatic jaundice is commonly caused by hemolytic anemia (for example, sickle cell anemia) that causes accelerated heme breakdown. In the case of newborn jaundice, the most common reason is the difference in the mother’s and infant’s blood groups.

2. Intra-hepatic jaundice, known as non-obstructive or medical jaundice, happens due to parenchymal liver disease, where the liver loses its ability to conjugate or excrete bilirubin.

3. Post-hepatic jaundice, also called non-obstructive or medical jaundice, is when the bilirubin is produced in excess. It results in the inability of the liver to excrete conjugated bilirubin into the gut.

Causes Of Jaundice In Children

Jaundice may develop in children due to the following reasons (1) (6):

• Viral infections, such as hepatitis A, B, and C that cause liver damage
• Liver inflammation caused due to the Epstein Barr virus (7)
• Autoimmune hepatitisⁱInflammation of the liver. , where the body’s immune system attacks the liver cells
• Cirrhosis, is a chronic liver disease where the liver’s healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue
• Excessive breakdown of red blood cells caused by certain anemia or malaria

Image: IStock

• Gallstones (crystals in the gallbladder) obstruct the biliary duct
• A tumor in the bile duct or liver
• Pancreatic cancer and congenital diseases that block biliary ducts
• Wilson disease, where the copper from the food accumulates in the liver
• Adverse effects of medications and toxins in the environment
• Inherited metabolic syndromes, such as Dubin-Johnson, Gilbert’s, and Crigler-Nager syndromes

Symptoms Of Jaundice In Children

The severity of the jaundice symptoms depends on how fast the underlying conditions grow.

Apart from the yellowish tinge of the skin, some other common symptoms include (2):

• Flu-like symptoms with fever and chills
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine and pale stools
• Itchy skin
• Weight loss
• Vomiting (3)
• In the case of Wilson disease, children may display personality changes, disturbed sleep cycle, poor school performance, and inappropriate behavior (3).

Risks Factors Of Jaundice In Children

Image: IStock

The factors that increase the risk for jaundice are (3):

• Maternal-infant transmission
• Contaminated blood product transfusion
• Intravenous drug abuse
• High-risk sexual activity
• Travel history
• Infectious contacts in the past
• Misuse of medications, such as acetaminophen
• Family history of jaundice
• Chronic liver disease

Diagnosis Of Jaundice In Children

Image: IStock

In most cases, yellow skin and sclerae indicate jaundice in children; however, healthcare providers need detailed information to confirm the condition. Therefore, they start their diagnosis by thoroughly knowing about family and medical history, details of exposure to toxins, recent travels, coexisting symptoms, and duration of jaundice (8).

Further diagnostic tests are also performed, including (2):

• Physical examination to check
  • Skin bruises
  • Spider angiomas (a lesion with central, red spot and spiderweb-like reddish extensions, indicating liver damage) (9)
  • Palmar erythema (a condition that turns palms red)
• Urinalysis or urine testing
• Serum testing to detect complete blood cell count and levels of bilirubin
• Liver function tests
• Ultrasonography or computer tomographic scanning to detect the size and tenderness of the liver
• Liver biopsy in severe jaundice
• Cholangiography (special X-ray procedure to visualize bile ducts) (6)

Quick fact

The doctor may perform Coomb’s test to identify the antibodies that attack the red blood cells and cause jaundice in children (1).

Treatment For Jaundice In Children

The prognosis for jaundice depends on the underlying cause and the individual’s overall health. Therefore, to treat jaundice, the underlying conditions should be treated. Parents should monitor their child’s symptoms and seek medical advice for appropriate treatment. The following are the various treatment options depending on the specific cause (6):

• Hemolytic anemia is treated with medications, lifestyle changes, blood transfusion, and bone or marrow transplants (10).
• Infectious diseases are treated with medications.
• Bile obstructions are treated by extracting gallstonesⁱHardened deposits or pebble-like pieces of digestive fluid (bile) in the gallbladder. , removing tumors, removing gallbladders, and treating pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
• Jaundice, due to Gilbert’s syndromeⁱA mild and harmless liver condition resulting from the improper processing of bilirubin. , is mild and clears out by itself without any treatment (11).
• Pre-hepatic jaundice is treated by infusing immunoglobulins (12).
• Hepatic jaundice is treated with proper nutrition, steroids, and immunosuppressants (12).
• Post-hepatic or obstructive jaundice is treated with surgery (12).

Prevention Of Jaundice In Children

Since jaundice has many causes, it is difficult to prevent jaundice completely. However, some types, such as hepatitis A, could be prevented. Some general tips are (6) (13) (14):

• Keep your children away from industrial chemicals
• Encourage your child not to use any illicit drugs
• Take care not to share needles
• Get your child vaccinated against hepatitis A and B

Image: Shutterstock

• Ensure that your child maintains good hygiene and washes their hands regularly, especially before eating or drinking something and after using the toilet
• Encourage your child not to share food and drinks with other people
• Wash utensils, towels, and linens thoroughly
• Drink only bottled water with an unbroken seal during travel
• Avoid eating raw fruits, salads, and undercooked meat during travel

Home Remedies For Jaundice In Children

Children with jaundice also recover faster with some home remedies apart from the prescribed medications. Anecdotal evidence suggests the following remedies for jaundice :

• Tomatoes have a carotenoid called lycopene that helps improve liver functioning (16). One glass of tomato juice on an empty stomach in the morning could work. You may add some salt and pepper to it.
• Turmeric assists in treating liver damage due to its yellow pigment called curcumin. (17).
• Sugarcane supports recovery by improving digestion and liver function.
• The juice of raw radish leaves is effective in treating jaundice faster.
• One teaspoon of papaya leaf paste mixed with one teaspoon of honey taken for one to two weeks may treat jaundice.
• Gooseberry effectively treats jaundice because it has high amounts of vitamin C.
• Barley water helps in faster recovery from jaundice.
• The juice of pigeon pea leaves can treat jaundice.
• One cup of beetroot juice, along with some lemon juice, effectively reduces jaundice.
• Drinking fresh carrot juice several times a day helps combat jaundice.
• Taking mashed ripe bananas with honey can help manage jaundice.
• Buttermilk taken with alum and black pepper thrice a day gives good results.
• Bitter gourd and drumsticks are beneficial for children with jaundice.

Quick fact

Traditional medicine suggests that consuming holy basil leaves with freshly prepared radish juice can help cure jaundice (15).

Diet For Jaundice

Diet plays an important role in helping children recover from jaundice faster. It removes weakness and fatigue and increases energy levels. Some dietary tips include (18):

• Liquid diets are preferable for children during the first four to five days of developing jaundice.
• Provide easily digestible, high carbohydrate food without fats and spices.
• Give frequent small portions of meals.
• Give your children plenty of cooled boiled water. Ample hydration aids in the removal of excess bilirubin from the body.

Image: Shutterstock

• Give raw or steamed vegetables and fruits. Avoid giving canned fruit juices.
• When the bilirubin levels decrease, introduce yogurt, porridge, and lean protein such as eggs.
• When the bilirubin levelsⁱThe level of yellowish pigment in the blood made during the breaking down of red blood cells (RBCs) in the body. reach normal, give rice, fish, or lentils. Do not give meat or poultry.
• After taking the advice from the doctor, start adding little oil to the food. However, avoid foods rich in cholesterol and difficult to digest.
• Give your children foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Infographic: Red Flags Of Jaundice In Children

In most cases, jaundice does not cause any complications. However, if jaundice has occurred due to an underlying condition, you should pay attention to specific symptoms and seek proper medical treatment. This infographic shares some of the symptoms that should not be ignored.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Jaundice In Children: Types Causes Symptoms And Remedies

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

If your child has been diagnosed with Jaundice you may have numerous questions about the disease. Check out this informative video to understand what causes this disease and how it can be cured.

Was this article helpful?

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Elna GibsonMBChB, MMed, Paeds

Dr. Elna Gibson is a general pediatrician. She did her MBChB and specialization as a pediatrician in South Africa at the University of Pretoria. She obtained MMed Pediatrics (masters) with distinction in 1993.As a young specialist, Dr.

Read full bio of Dr. Elna Gibson

Pragya BhargaviMSc, BEd

Pragya Bhargavi has been in the field of content research, writing and editing for over six years. Her passion for academics and science has enabled her to write creative as well as research-based articles. She has completed her Masters in Microbiology from Bangalore University and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Education (BEd) from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur.

Read full bio of Pragya Bhargavi

Dr. Ritika ShahBDS, CLC

Dr. Ritika Shah is a certified lactation counsellor (CLC) from iNational Health Care Academy, Singapore and a dental surgeon with more than seven years of clinical experience across various cities in India. She did her graduation in Dentistry from KM Shah Dental College.

Read full bio of Dr. Ritika Shah

Dr. Joyani DasM.Pharm, PhD

Dr. Joyani Das did her post-graduation from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra and PhD in Pharmacology. Previously, she worked as an associate professor, faculty of Pharmacology, for two years. With her research background in preclinical studies and a zeal for scientific writing, she joined MomJunction as a health writer.

Read full bio of Dr. Joyani Das