How Does Dehydration Influence Jaundice Levels?

Jaundice is caused by the higher level of bilirubin in the blood which is due to improper processing of bilirubin by the liver. The bilirubin is due to the breakdown of the red blood cells it is a normal process but if they are not processed well it may accumulate in the body and leads to jaundice development. While jaundice is common in newborns it does not mean adults are free of jaundice, it can affect any age. Certain factors may favor the development of jaundice in an individual it also includes dehydration which can have a significant impact on the severity and management of jaundice.

Dehydration may be a natural process when you have not drunk enough water that is required for the body. But the dehydration may exacerbate jaundice by reducing the body’s ability to process and eliminate bilirubin. From the below content, you can get to know how dehydration influences jaundice, continue reading.

Understanding the link between dehydration and jaundice

If you want to understand how dehydration affects jaundice then it is important to know how bilirubin is processed and eliminated from the body.  Bilirubin is normally present in the body but they are processed by the liver and excreted out via stool in that case when it cannot be processed effectively there their accumulation occurs inside the body that is in the blood and this paves the way for the development of jaundice. 

You may doubt that whether dehydration affects the processing of bilirubin, the answer is yes it will. Through several ways, dehydration may influence bilirubin processing,

Generally, the reduction in the water level in the body may also decrease blood volume which in turn reduces blood flow to the liver. With the lesser amount of blood circulation liver may feel difficulty in filtering and processing the bilirubin. As a result level of bilirubin level increases in the blood.

The liver may require an adequate amount of water to produce and secrete bile that carries bilirubin out of the body. But due to the dehydration, the bile flow might be interrupted causing bilirubin to build up in the bloodstream.

Dehydration and jaundice in newborns

In newborns, dehydration may bring vulnerable changes in the baby’s body and that becomes the reason for the development of jaundice. Neonatal jaundice is a common condition, and dehydration can make it worse or prolong recovery. It also influences normal activities like breastfeeding and breast milk jaundice

Dehydration and jaundice in adults

Jaundice in is adults less common when compared to newborns but it can lead to several complications including liver disease, bile duct obstruction, and hemolytic anemia. In that case, the dehydration may influence the jaundice in adults.

Managing dehydration-Related jaundice

Through enough and proper hydration the jaundice caused by dehydration could be prevented. The dehydration can bring jaundice in any age people from newborns to adults. But it could be managed with the help of proper hydration, through medical interventions, and should avoid those triggers that can bring up jaundice in an individual.

Dehydration generally reduces the functionality of the body in that case it can exacerbate the preexisting jaundice in both newborns and adults and it makes the processing of bilirubin difficult for the liver. While you are noticing the difference in the color of the skin and eyes it is good to consult a healthcare practitioner they may assist you in identifying the underlying cause. One thing you have to remember is that dehydration worsens the jaundice to a further extent, to make any function your body requires enough water so take plenty of water.

For effective jaundice treatment, trust GEM Hospital’s experienced specialists. Receive personalized care and advanced solutions. Schedule your consultation now for comprehensive health management.