How to Treat Jaundice in Babies
Jaundice is a common condition in newborns that causes their skin and whites of their eyes to turn yellow. It is caused by a build-up of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down.
Most cases of jaundice are mild and will go away on their own within a few weeks. However, in some cases, jaundice can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Symptoms of Jaundice
The most common symptom of jaundice is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Other symptoms can include:
Dark yellow urine
Pale stools
Fatigue
Irritability
Poor feeding
Causes of Jaundice
There are many different causes of jaundice in babies. Some of the most common causes include:
Physiological jaundice: This is the most common type of jaundice in newborns. It is caused by the baby's liver being immature and unable to process bilirubin quickly enough.
Breast milk jaundice: This type of jaundice is caused by a substance in breast milk that can interfere with the baby's liver's ability to process bilirubin.
Formula jaundice: This type of jaundice is caused by a substance in formula that can interfere with the baby's liver's ability to process bilirubin.
Other medical conditions: Jaundice can also be a sign of other medical conditions, such as liver disease, gallbladder disease, or sepsis.
How to Treat Jaundice
The treatment for jaundice will depend on the cause. In most cases, mild jaundice will go away on its own within a few weeks. However, in some cases, treatment may be necessary to lower the bilirubin levels.
Treatment options for jaundice include:
Phototherapy: This is a treatment that uses light to break down bilirubin. The baby is placed under a special light for several hours each day.
Exchange transfusion: This is a procedure in which the baby's blood is replaced with donor blood. This is only necessary in severe cases of jaundice.
Medication: There are some medications that can be used to lower bilirubin levels.
Prevention of Jaundice
There is no sure way to prevent jaundice in babies. However, there are some things that can be done to reduce the risk, such as:
Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding can help to prevent jaundice by providing the baby with antibodies that help to protect the liver.
Avoiding formula: Formula can increase the risk of jaundice. If you are unable to breastfeed, talk to your doctor about the best type of formula to use.
Getting regular checkups: Regular checkups can help to identify and treat jaundice early on.
When to Call the Doctor
You should call your doctor if your baby has any of the following symptoms:
Jaundice that is getting worse
Jaundice that lasts for more than two weeks
Jaundice that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea
Outlook for Jaundice
The outlook for jaundice is generally good. Most cases of jaundice will go away on their own within a few weeks. However, in some cases, jaundice can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. If your baby has jaundice, it is important to see your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
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