The word jaundice is derived from a French word called as jaune, which means yellow. It is a very common condition which is seen in newborn babies which can be treated by exposing them to sunlight. It is also known as yellow skin or eyes disease. It turns your skin, mucous membranes, sclera (the white of your eyes) into a single yellow color. This yellow pigment which is seen on your skin is due to bilirubin which is a byproduct of old red blood cells. If you are affected by jaundice consider it to be a serious problem which cannot to be taken lightly.

Nearly 1% red blood cells retire everyday and those are replaced by fresh blood cells. These old blood cells are processed in the liver and later disposed. If there happens to be too many old red blood cells the yellow pigment builds up in the body, which results in the first stages of jaundice.

Even though jaundice is not a disease but it is a sign for many other diseases. Jaundice is very common among babies due to the immature functioning of the liver. It is not equipped to deal with the removal of bilirubin from the bloodstream. Jaundice occurs mainly due to liver failure but there are many other reasons by which it is affected.

Detection of jaundice is very important, because if you detect jaundice in the later stages it may prove to be fatal. Some of the common symptoms for jaundice are:
*Extreme fatigue and weakness
*Severe headaches
*Constipation
*Nauseating feeling
*Yellow color of your eyes, skin
*Constant pain near your stomach and liver

There are many causes for jaundice these are some of the reasons due to which you are under the jaundice attack
-It occurs when high level of bilirubin is being produced for the liver and unable to be removed from the blood.
-Defect in liver due to prevention in removal of bilirubin from the blood.
-Due to blockage of bile ducts.
-Due to viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D and hepatitis E)
-Alcoholic liver disease
-Cancer of the pancreas
-Malaria
-Neonatal jaundice found in babies
- Gall bladder cancer
-Yellow fever
-Stomach cancer
-Rh incompatibility

Remedial measures when suffering from Jaundice
*A hot cup of water mixed with 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder taken 2-3 times a day would be very beneficial
*Consumption of lime juice is very good for your health
*Having plenty of sugarcane juice is also good
*Barley water, orange juice helps in urination
*Spicy and oily food should be strictly avoided
*Consumptions of vegetables like radish leaves, tomato and lemon is good
*Dried dates along with almonds and cardamoms are also good