There are four major symptoms of neonatal jaundice. New parents should check it out.
Neonatal jaundice is a common condition that causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. It is caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down.
Neonatal jaundice is usually harmless and goes away on its own within a few weeks. However, in some cases, it can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
The four major symptoms of neonatal jaundice are:
Yellow skin and whites of the eyes
Dark yellow urine
Pale stools
Poor feeding
If your newborn has any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.
Causes of neonatal jaundice
Neonatal jaundice is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the body. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down. In newborns, the liver is not fully developed and cannot break down bilirubin as quickly as it should. This can lead to a buildup of bilirubin in the body, which can cause jaundice.
Risk factors for neonatal jaundice
Some babies are more likely to develop neonatal jaundice than others. These include:
Premature babies: Premature babies are more likely to have jaundice because their livers are not fully developed.
Babies with certain medical conditions: Babies with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease or gallbladder disease, are also more likely to develop jaundice.
Babies who are breastfed: Breastfed babies are more likely to have jaundice than formula-fed babies. This is because breast milk contains a substance that can slow down the breakdown of bilirubin.
Treatment for neonatal jaundice
Most cases of neonatal jaundice do not require treatment. The jaundice will usually go away on its own within a few weeks. However, in some cases, treatment may be necessary. Treatment options include:
Phototherapy: Phototherapy 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: In rare cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary to remove the bilirubin from the baby's blood.
Complications of neonatal jaundice
In most cases, neonatal jaundice is harmless and does not cause any complications. However, in some cases, it can lead to complications, such as:
Kernicterus: Kernicterus is a rare but serious complication of neonatal jaundice that can cause brain damage. Kernicterus can occur if the bilirubin level in the baby's blood gets too high.
Liver damage: In rare cases, neonatal jaundice can also lead to liver damage.
Prevention of neonatal jaundice
There is no sure way to prevent neonatal jaundice. However, there are some things that you can do to reduce your baby's risk of developing jaundice, such as:
Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding can help to prevent neonatal jaundice. Breast milk contains a substance that can help the liver to break down bilirubin.
Avoiding dehydration: Dehydration can worsen neonatal jaundice. Make sure that your baby is getting enough fluids.
Treating underlying medical conditions: If your baby has an underlying medical condition that is causing jaundice, treating the condition can help to improve the jaundice.
When to see a doctor
If your newborn has any of the symptoms of neonatal jaundice, it is important to see a doctor right away. The doctor will check your baby's bilirubin level and determine if treatment is necessary.
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