Doctors at Aware Gleneagles Global Hospital, LBN attribute this rise to increased intake of alcohol amongst the city population, increase in infections caused due to consumption of unhygienic food & viral illnesses
Hyderabad: Aware Gleneagles Global Hospital, LB Nagar reported that there has been a 15% increase in Jaundice cases in Hyderabad over the last year. Doctors observed this trend as there has been a marked spike in the number of patients with symptoms of Jaundice that was treated at the hospital in recent months. Doctors say this surge may be attributed to a number of factors including the increased consumption of alcohol and un hygienically prepared food amongst the city population.
This could also be caused due to a variety of viral illnesses that are on the rise during this season. This surge of cases has been reported in the monsoon season which is also usually associated with an increase in dengue, viral hepatitis and/or other viral illnesses. With an increase in number of mosquitoes, unclean food & water during the rainy season, these illnesses become more common.
Particularly this year, many of the patients admitted at the hospital also suffered by Jaundice and/or liver dysfunction with dengue. Jaundice is typically caused due to factors such as viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, viral illnesses and infections like dengue, malaria or Leptospira, obstructive jaundice caused by bile duct stones or blocked pancreatic duct, gall stones or some cancers like pancreatic cancers and haemolytic jaundice. It is usually characterized by fever, yellowish eyes, dark urine, generalized weakness, abdominal pain, vomiting and itching.
Dr Ravi Sankar Reddy, Consultant – Medical Gastroenterologist
Dr Ravi Sankar Reddy, Consultant – Medical Gastroenterologist at Aware Gleneagles Global Hospital, said “As always, prevention is the best approach to this. Be conscious and aware of your surroundings especially during the rainy season. Avoid unclean water & food and consumption of food in unhygienic restaurants or from street vendors.
Take all the precautions that you would usually take to avoid dengue. Avoid water stagnation in and around your house or dumping of waste in open spaces as these attract mosquitoes.
Similarly, open air defecation and urination also attract mosquitoes. Use mosquito nets and repellents to keep yourself safe from mosquito bites.”
As with many other conditions, it is important to take all necessary steps to avoid a relapse if you are diagnosed with Jaundice. In most cases, Jaundice is avoidable with good habits, living conditions and lifestyle.