What is physiological jaundice? Analysis of several causes of physiological jaundice

Physiological jaundice may be caused by factors such as excessive bilirubin production, immature liver function, and enterohepatic circulation, and is often seen in newborns. This condition usually causes yellowing of the skin within 7 days after birth, sometimes accompanied by itchy skin. Physiological jaundice is usually self-limiting. After it appears, the symptoms of jaundice will generally subside gradually in about 7 days as the baby grows and develops.

The formation of jaundice is closely related to the concentration of bilirubin in the blood. At this time, there will be some symptoms of yellowing of the skin, and sometimes itching of the skin. In most cases, physiological jaundice often occurs. In most cases, it occurs in newborns, and there may be symptoms of increased bilirubin concentration in the blood. So how does physiological jaundice form? Generally speaking, there are three common causes.

1. Excessive bilirubin production

Due to hypoxia in the mother's body, the newborn will have a compensatory increase in red blood cells. Within 7 days after birth, the heme oxygenase content will be very high, which often leads to a large amount of bilirubin secretion, which can cause physiological jaundice.

2. Immature liver function

The liver of a newborn is not fully developed, and the detoxification and excretion functions of the liver have not yet been fully formed. Therefore, a large amount of bilirubin cannot be metabolized and absorbed in the liver in time, which will lead to an increase in the bilirubin concentration in the blood. This is also an important cause of physiological jaundice.

3. Enterohepatic circulation factors

When a newborn is born, the intestinal function is not fully formed. Therefore, the bile discharged into the digestive tract through bile may be absorbed through the intestinal mucosa and enter the mesenteric vein. This will cause bilirubin to be absorbed through the intestine and directly enter the liver, which is usually called enterohepatic circulation. Due to the enterohepatic circulation, bilirubin is generally absorbed by the liver, which often leads to the occurrence of jaundice.

The above are the three main causes of physiological jaundice. The most important reason is that the newborn's body is not fully developed, which is the most fundamental cause of physiological jaundice. Physiological jaundice generally does not require special treatment. As long as you actively observe and pay attention to drinking more water to help the excretion of bilirubin, physiological jaundice will generally disappear in time within 3-7 days. If it does not disappear, you can also consider blue light therapy, or take Yinzhihuang oral liquid to eliminate jaundice in time.