Recognising early signs, understanding causes, and protecting children through timely action.

When a child’s eyes or skin begin to turn yellow, it often causes immediate worry. The term jaundice itself sounds alarming.
But jaundice is not a disease — it is a warning sign that the body, especially the liver, needs attention.

For parents and teachers, awareness is the first and most powerful step toward protecting a child’s health.

What Exactly Is Jaundice?

Jaundice occurs when there is excess bilirubin in the blood.

• Bilirubin is produced when old red blood cells break down
• A healthy liver processes and removes bilirubin
• When this process is disrupted, bilirubin accumulates

This leads to:

• Yellowing of the eyes (often the earliest sign)
• Yellowish skin tone
• Dark-coloured urine
• Pale or clay-coloured stools (in some cases)

Yellow eyes in children are never normal and should not be ignored.

Jaundice in Children vs Newborn Jaundice

Many parents are familiar with jaundice in newborns, which is common and usually harmless.

However:

• Jaundice in infants beyond the newborn period, school-age children, and teenagers is NOT normal
• It always requires medical evaluation

In children, jaundice often points to infection, liver stress, or blood-related conditions.

Common Causes of Jaundice in Children

Understanding causes helps prevent panic and guide care.

The most common reasons include:

• Viral hepatitis (A and E)
  • Spread through contaminated food and water
  • Common in areas with poor sanitation
• Blood-related conditions
  • G6PD deficiency
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Thalassemia
• Liver-related problems
  • Infections
  • Drug-induced liver injury
  • Fatty liver disease (older children)
• Medication or toxin exposure
  • Certain medicines
  • Unverified herbal remedies
  • Accidental ingestion of chemicals
• Poor hygiene and unsafe food
  • Unwashed hands
  • Shared water bottles
  • Contaminated school meals or street food

Early Warning Signs Parents & Teachers Should Watch For

Children may not clearly express discomfort. Look out for:

• Yellowing of eyes or skin
• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Loss of appetite
• Persistent tiredness or weakness
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain (especially on the right side)
• Itching of skin (sometimes)

Any combination of yellow eyes + fatigue + dark urine needs medical attention.

Why Teachers Play a Crucial Role

Teachers often notice changes before parents do.

They may observe:

• Reduced classroom participation
• Sudden tiredness or sleepiness
• Loss of appetite during lunch
• Change in skin tone
• Frequent restroom visits

Teachers should:

• Inform parents immediately
• Encourage medical evaluation
• Avoid stigma or isolation
• Reinforce hygiene practices in school

How Jaundice Is Diagnosed

Doctors may recommend:

• Blood tests (bilirubin, liver enzymes)
• Tests for viral hepatitis
• Ultrasound of the abdomen (if required)

Early diagnosis ensures faster recovery and prevents complications.

Care and Management: What Helps Recovery

Rest

• Complete physical rest is essential
• Avoid school, sports, and exertion during illness

Hydration

• Plenty of safe fluids
• Coconut water, soups, ORS if needed
• Prevent dehydration

Nutrition

• Light, home-cooked, easily digestible food
• Rice, dal, vegetables, fruits
• Avoid oily, fried, spicy, or processed foods

Avoid unprescribed supplements, tonics, or herbal remedies.

What Parents and Teachers Should NOT Do

• Do not delay medical consultation
• Do not force food if appetite is low
• Do not give over-the-counter medicines without doctor advice
• Do not send the child to school during active illness
• Do not isolate or shame the child

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek urgent medical attention if the child shows:

• Extreme drowsiness or confusion
• Persistent vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Bleeding or easy bruising
• Rapid worsening of jaundice
• High fever that does not settle

These may indicate serious liver involvement.

Prevention: The Strongest Protection

At Home and School:

• Regular handwashing
• Safe drinking water
• Clean toilets and surroundings
• Proper food handling

Vaccination:

• Hepatitis A vaccination (where recommended)
• Ensure routine immunisations are up to date

Food Safety:

• Avoid uncovered food
• Discourage street food, especially during outbreaks
• Ensure hygienic school meals

Message to Parents and Teachers

Jaundice in children is not a reason for panic, but it demands prompt attention.

With:

• Early recognition
• Medical guidance
• Proper rest and nutrition
• Hygiene awareness

Most children recover fully and return to normal life without long-term problems.

Your awareness today can prevent a serious illness tomorrow.