🧒🟡 Gilbert’s Syndrome in Children: A Parent-Friendly Guide

✅ Gilbert’s syndrome is a common, harmless condition that causes mild, on-and-off yellowing of the eyes/skin (jaundice)—often during illness, fasting, stress, or dehydration.
It does not damage the liver, does not need treatment, and children live normal, healthy lives.

1) 🧾 Quick “At-a-glance” box (top of page)

✅ Condition name: Gilbert’s syndrome
Common names: Benign unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia

Plain-language summary (2–3 lines):
Gilbert’s syndrome happens when the liver processes bilirubin a bit more slowly. This can cause mild jaundice at times, especially during illness or not eating well. It is benign and does not lead to liver disease.

Who it affects (typical ages):
Often noticed in school-age children or teens; can be seen earlier.

✅ What parents should do today:

• Reassure your child—this is benign
• Encourage regular meals, hydration, and sleep
• Know triggers that can bring out mild jaundice

⚠️ Red flags that need urgent/ER care:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Confusion or extreme sleepiness
• Vomiting blood or black stools
  (These are not typical of Gilbert’s and suggest another problem.)

🟡 When to see the family doctor/clinic:

• First episode of jaundice
• Jaundice with other symptoms (pain, fever, itching)
• Concerns about labs or diagnosis

2) 🧠 What it is (plain language)

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment made when old red blood cells are broken down.

In Gilbert’s syndrome:

• the liver enzyme that processes bilirubin works a bit slower
• bilirubin can rise slightly in the blood
• this causes mild, temporary jaundice

What part of the body is involved? (small diagram required)

Common myths vs facts

• Myth: “Gilbert’s damages the liver.”
  Fact: The liver is healthy.
• Myth: “My child will need medicine or surgery.”
  Fact: No treatment is needed.
• Myth: “Jaundice always means serious disease.”
  Fact: In Gilbert’s, jaundice is mild and benign.

3) 🧩 Why it happens (causes & triggers)

Cause

• A common inherited variation affecting bilirubin processing

Triggers that can bring out jaundice

• fasting or skipping meals
• dehydration
• illness (colds, stomach bugs)
• stress
• lack of sleep
• intense exercise

Risk factors

• family history
• adolescence (hormonal changes can make it more noticeable)

4) 👀 What parents might notice (symptoms)

Typical signs

• yellowing of the whites of the eyes (often first)
• mild yellowing of skin (sometimes)
• child otherwise feels well

What is not typical of Gilbert’s

• itching
• dark urine
• pale/white stools
• abdominal pain
• poor growth

What’s normal vs what’s not

✅ Normal for Gilbert’s:

• mild jaundice during illness or stress
• normal energy and appetite

⚠️ Not normal:

• persistent or worsening jaundice with other symptoms
• itching, pain, or changes in stool/urine color

5) 🏠 Home care and what helps (step-by-step)

✅ No medical treatment is needed. Lifestyle habits help minimize jaundice episodes.

What helps most

✅ Do this now:

• Encourage regular meals (avoid long fasting)
• Maintain good hydration
• Support sleep and stress management
• Reassure your child during mild jaundice episodes

During illness

• push fluids
• small frequent meals
• rest

6) ⛔ What NOT to do (common mistakes)

• Don’t restrict foods unnecessarily.
• Don’t start supplements or “detox” products.
• Don’t panic with mild jaundice if diagnosis is confirmed.
• Don’t skip evaluation for the first episode of jaundice.

7) 🚦 When to worry: triage guidance

🔴 Call 911 / Emergency now

• confusion, extreme sleepiness
• severe abdominal pain
• vomiting blood or black stools

🟠 Same-day urgent visit

• jaundice with fever or significant pain
• jaundice with dark urine or pale stools

🟡 Book a routine appointment

• questions about diagnosis
• reassurance after initial labs
• school/sports questions

🟢 Watch at home

• known Gilbert’s with mild jaundice and no other symptoms

8) 🩺 How doctors diagnose it (what to expect)

What the clinician will ask

• timing of jaundice
• triggers (illness, fasting)
• family history
• associated symptoms

Physical exam basics

• general exam (usually normal)
• check for liver/spleen enlargement (not expected)

Possible tests (and why)

• blood tests:
  • bilirubin (shows mild unconjugated elevation)
  • normal liver enzymes
• sometimes genetic testing (not always needed)

What tests are usually not needed

• imaging
• liver biopsy
• repeated labs once diagnosis is clear

9) 🧰 Treatment options

✅ No treatment is required.

What doctors may recommend

• reassurance and education
• healthy routines

Medications

• none needed
• avoid unnecessary medicines during illness unless prescribed

10) ⏳ Expected course & prognosis

• Lifelong condition but benign
• Jaundice may come and go
• No effect on lifespan, growth, or development

School/sports

• No restrictions
• Hydration and regular meals are helpful

11) ⚠️ Complications (brief but clear)

Complications

• None related to liver damage

Important note

If new symptoms appear, they should be evaluated—do not assume everything is Gilbert’s.

12) 🛡️ Prevention and reducing future episodes

• regular meals
• good hydration
• manage stress and sleep
• prompt care for intercurrent illnesses

13) 🌟 Special situations

Infants

Gilbert’s is uncommon as a cause of neonatal jaundice—other causes must be ruled out.

Teens

Jaundice may be more noticeable during exams, stress, or dieting—education helps.

Athletes

Avoid dehydration and extreme fasting.

Travel considerations

Maintain hydration and regular meals.

School/daycare notes

No special accommodations needed.

14) 📅 Follow-up plan

• No routine follow-up needed once diagnosis confirmed
• Re-evaluate only if symptoms change

15) ❓ Parent FAQs

“Is it contagious?”

No.

“Can my child eat ___?”

Yes—no dietary restrictions.

“Can they bathe/swim/exercise?”

Yes—normal activities encouraged.

“Will they outgrow it?”

It’s lifelong but benign; many notice it less over time.

“When can we stop treatment?”

No treatment is required.

16) 🧾 Printable tools (high-value add-ons)

🧾 Printable: Gilbert’s Syndrome One-Page Reassurance Sheet

• Benign condition
• No liver damage
• No treatment needed
• Triggers: illness, fasting, dehydration, stress
• Focus: meals, fluids, sleep

🧾 Printable: Trigger Tracker

Date: ______

• Illness? yes/no
• Skipped meals? yes/no
• Dehydration? yes/no
• Stress/sleep issues? yes/no
• Jaundice noted? yes/no

17) 📚 Credible sources + last updated date

Trusted references:

• Children’s hospital benign jaundice resources
• Pediatric hepatology education materials
• National liver foundation patient pages

Last reviewed/updated on: 2025-12-30
Local guidance may differ.

🧡 Safety disclaimer

This guide supports—not replaces—medical care. If you are worried about your child, trust your instincts and seek urgent medical assessment.

This guide was fully developed & reviewed by Dr. Mohammad Hussein, MD, FRCPC ROYAL COLLEGE–CERTIFIED PEDIATRICIAN & PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGIST Board-certified pediatrician and pediatric gastroenterologist (Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada) with expertise in inflammatory bowel disease, eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders, motility and functional testing, and complex nutrition across diverse international practice settings.

To book an online assessment Email Dr. Hussein’s Assistant Elizabeth Gray at: Elizabeth.Gray@pedsgimind.ca
In the email subject, please write: New Assessment Appointment with Dr. Hussein

Important: This appointment is completely online as Dr. Hussein is currently working overseas. This service is not covered by OHIP