Q: Who treats Gilbert’s syndrome?
A: Gilbert’s syndrome may be an accidental finding, as already described. It may be diagnosed serendipitously when blood tests are performed for some other diseases. A pediatrician/ neonatologist may diagnose Gilbert’s syndrome while evaluating neonatal jaundice.
Q: What are the risk factors of Gilbert’s syndrome?
A: If both parents carry the abnormal gene, the person is at an increased risk of Gilbert’s syndrome.
The following factors may precipitate the signs and symptoms of Gilbert’s syndrome:
- Illnesses like a cold or the flu
- Fasting
- Low calorie diet
- Dehydration
- Menstruation
- Stress
- Exercise
Q: Does Gilbert’s syndrome cause jaundice in infants?
A: Infants who carry one copy of the abnormal gene responsible for Gilbert’s syndrome (i.e. homozygous) may develop jaundice when breastfed or when other disorders of heme metabolism are co-inherited.
Q: Is Gilbert’s syndrome preventable?
A: Gilbert’s syndrome is a genetic disorder and hence cannot be prevented. Certain factors are known to precipitate the signs and symptoms of the disease.
- Illnesses like a cold or the flu
- Fasting
- Low calorie diet
- Dehydration
- Menstruation
- Stress
Tell every doctor if you have a diagnosis of Gilbert’s syndrome. As previously discussed under the Complications section, metabolism of certain medications are affected in Gilbert’s syndrome. Hence, it is important that the treating doctor knows the underlying disease while prescribing medications.
A healthy diet: Avoid fasting; do not eat low calorie diet.
Manage stresses in life adequately.
Do not indulge in strenuous exercises.
