Treatment and Prevention
There's no treatment for jaundice as such, since it's not a disease but
a sign of a medical problem. The approach is to treat the underlying cause,
if possible. Some of the diseases that cause jaundice are curable, like malaria.
Others, like thalassemia, are treatable. Many, like hepatitis A, newborn
jaundice, or cholestasis of pregnancy, aren't curable but go away on their own.
Usually treatment is unnecessary. Conditions like cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis
are lifelong problems that may cause permanent or recurring jaundice. Some types
of cancer can cause jaundice and should be investigated by a physician as early
as possible, since early detection and treatment can improve survival.
Many of these diseases are inherited or autoimmune conditions that we don't
know how to prevent. People can, however, do something about the two most common
causes of jaundice - viral hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease. There are
vaccines against hepatitis A and B (although, unfortunately, not against type
C). The hepatitis B vaccine can protect you against lifelong complications of
this disease. People suffering from alcoholism can help reduce their risk of
alcoholic liver disease by seeking treatment for their condition.