What are the symptoms of high jaundice in babies?

Infant jaundice may cause yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, drowsiness, loss of appetite and other symptoms. In severe cases, it may lead to bilirubin encephalopathy and requires prompt medical attention. Treatment methods include phototherapy, drug therapy and exchange transfusion therapy.

1. Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes is the most common symptom of jaundice in infants, which usually starts on the face and gradually spreads to the whole body. This is due to increased bilirubin levels in the blood, which causes the skin and mucous membranes to appear yellow. Mild jaundice may not require special treatment, but close observation is required.

2. Drowsiness and slow response are signs of worsening jaundice, which may indicate a further increase in bilirubin levels. Bilirubin is toxic to the nervous system and may affect the baby's consciousness and mobility. At this time, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to assess whether phototherapy or other intervention measures are needed.

3. Loss of appetite and feeding difficulties may accompany jaundice, leading to slow weight gain in infants. High bilirubin levels may affect digestion, causing infants to be unwilling to eat or vomit. Parents need to pay attention to feeding frequency and amount, and consult a doctor to adjust feeding methods if necessary.

4. Severe jaundice may lead to bilirubin encephalopathy, which manifests as abnormal muscle tone, convulsions, opisthotonos, etc. This is an emergency and requires immediate hospitalization, usually with exchange transfusion therapy to quickly reduce bilirubin levels and avoid permanent damage to the brain.

5. Phototherapy is a common method for treating jaundice. It uses blue light of a specific wavelength to decompose bilirubin in the skin and promote its excretion. Phototherapy is safe and effective, but it must be performed under the guidance of a doctor and pay attention to protecting the baby's eyes and skin.

6. Drug treatment includes the use of drugs such as phenobarbital or phenobarbital to help the liver metabolize bilirubin and accelerate its excretion. Drug treatment should be used according to the specific situation of the baby and under the guidance of a doctor to avoid adverse reactions.

7. Exchange transfusion therapy is suitable for high-risk infants with severe jaundice or bilirubin encephalopathy. It can quickly reduce bilirubin levels by replacing part of the blood. This is an invasive procedure that needs to be performed in a professional medical institution with a strict assessment of risks and benefits.

High jaundice in infants needs to be taken seriously. Parents should closely observe changes in symptoms and seek medical evaluation and treatment in a timely manner to avoid serious complications. Phototherapy, medication or exchange transfusion therapy can effectively control bilirubin levels and ensure the healthy development of infants.