What causes high jaundice?
Jul 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, high jaundice levels may be caused by characteristics of neonatal bilirubin metabolism, dietary factors, hemolytic anemia, cirrhosis, bile duct stones, and other reasons. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, it is important to maintain good living habits and avoid excessive fatigue; follow a balanced diet with proper nutrition, and avoid consuming large amounts of a single type of food.
Generally, high jaundice levels may be caused by characteristics of neonatal bilirubin metabolism, dietary factors, hemolytic anemia, cirrhosis, or bile duct stones. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Neonatal Bilirubin Metabolism Characteristics
After birth, newborns experience increased red blood cell destruction, leading to higher bilirubin production. Meanwhile, the liver's function to metabolize bilirubin is not yet mature, resulting in weaker bilirubin processing capacity, which can easily cause high jaundice levels. It is important to ensure adequate feeding for the newborn, promoting bilirubin excretion through increased milk intake and more frequent bowel movements. Under a doctor's guidance, appropriate blue light therapy may be used to help reduce bilirubin levels. Regular monitoring of bilirubin values and observation of changes in skin and scleral yellowness are necessary.
2. Dietary Influences
Long-term excessive consumption of carotene-rich foods, such as carrots, pumpkins, and mangoes, may lead to elevated blood carotene levels, causing yellowing of the skin similar to jaundice. Reducing intake of such foods and adjusting the diet to include more diverse vegetables and fruits can help. Drinking more water promotes carotene metabolism and excretion. Typically, skin yellowing improves gradually after dietary adjustments.
Various causes leading to extensive red blood cell destruction release excessive bilirubin, which exceeds the liver's metabolic capacity, resulting in high jaundice levels, possibly accompanied by symptoms like pallor, dizziness, and fatigue. Treatment should be conducted under a doctor's guidance, using medications such as methylprednisolone tablets, prednisone acetate tablets, and azathioprine tablets to inhibit the hemolytic process. Blood transfusions might be necessary in severe cases. Rest is important to avoid fatigue, and consumption of protein- and iron-rich foods should be increased.
4. Bile Duct Stones
Bile duct stones can block the bile duct, impeding bile excretion and causing bilirubin to flow back into the bloodstream, leading to high jaundice levels. Symptoms may include right upper abdominal pain, fever, and chills. Medications such as ursodeoxycholic acid capsules, anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting tablets, and cefixime capsules should be used under a doctor's guidance to alleviate symptoms. Depending on the size and location of the stones, surgical intervention, such as bile duct stone extraction surgery, may be required. Postoperative care should include a light diet avoiding greasy foods, with regular follow-up examinations of bile duct conditions.
5. Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis damages liver cells, impairing the liver's ability to uptake, convert, and excrete bilirubin, thereby causing high jaundice levels. Symptoms may include ascites, abdominal distension, and reduced appetite. Liver-protecting medications such as compound glycyrrhizin tablets, silybin capsules, and reduced glutathione tablets should be used under medical guidance to preserve liver function. Adequate rest is necessary, along with avoiding alcohol consumption and drugs harmful to the liver, maintaining a light yet nutritionally rich diet.
In daily life, maintaining good habits, avoiding excessive fatigue, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding excessive consumption of a single type of food are important.
