How to Treat High Jaundice in Newborns
Jaundice is a common condition in newborns, causing the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. It occurs when there is too much bilirubin, a yellow pigment, in the baby's blood. Bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. In most cases, jaundice is harmless and will go away on its own within a few weeks. However, if the jaundice is severe, it can lead to health problems such as kernicterus, which can cause brain damage.
Treatment for High Jaundice in Newborns
The treatment for high jaundice in newborns depends on the severity of the condition. In most cases, the jaundice will go away on its own within a few weeks. However, if the jaundice is severe, treatment may be necessary to prevent kernicterus.
Treatment for high jaundice in newborns may include:
Phototherapy: This treatment involves exposing the baby to ultraviolet light. The light helps to break down the bilirubin in the baby's blood.
Exchange transfusion: This treatment is used in severe cases of jaundice. It involves removing the baby's blood and replacing it with donor blood.
Medication: Medications such as phenobarbital can be used to help the liver break down bilirubin.
How to Prevent High Jaundice in Newborns
There is no sure way to prevent high jaundice in newborns. However, there are some things that can be done to reduce the risk, such as:
Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding can help to reduce the risk of jaundice because breast milk contains factors that help the liver break down bilirubin.
Avoiding dehydration: Dehydration can make jaundice worse. Make sure your baby is getting enough fluids, especially if they are breastfeeding.
Treating infections: Infections can increase the risk of jaundice. Make sure your baby is treated for any infections right away.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your doctor if your baby has jaundice that is:
Severe: The baby's skin and whites of the eyes are very yellow.
Not going away: The jaundice is not getting better after a few weeks.
Getting worse: The jaundice is getting worse, even with treatment.
What to Expect After Treatment
Most babies with jaundice will recover completely. However, some babies may have long-term problems, such as kernicterus. Kernicterus can cause brain damage, which can lead to problems such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and hearing loss.
If your baby has been treated for jaundice, your doctor will monitor your baby closely for any signs of kernicterus.
Tips for Parents
Here are some tips for parents of babies with jaundice:
Be patient: Jaundice can take a few weeks to go away.
Follow your doctor's instructions: Your doctor will tell you how to care for your baby and when to seek medical attention.
Don't worry: Most babies with jaundice will recover completely.
The above is all the content that the editor wants to share with you. I sincerely hope that these contents can bring some help to your life and health, and I also wish that your life will be happier and happier.
Topic: #treat #to #how
