Why do newborns have jaundice and how to treat it

Jaundice in newborns is mainly due to high bilirubin levels in the body, which is usually caused by physiological reasons, but may also be caused by pathological factors and requires timely treatment according to the type and symptoms.

Physiological jaundice is mostly caused by the immature development of the neonatal liver and weak bilirubin metabolism. It usually appears 2-3 days after birth and gradually disappears in 7-10 days. No special treatment is required. Breastfeeding jaundice is caused by certain components in breast milk affecting liver enzyme activity. Breastfeeding can usually be continued while close observation is required. Pathological jaundice may be caused by infection (such as sepsis), hemolytic diseases (such as maternal and child blood type incompatibility), biliary obstruction, etc. Symptoms include jaundice that appears too early, lasts for a long time, or is accompanied by drowsiness, vomiting, etc., and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible for a clear diagnosis.

The treatment of physiological jaundice is mainly phototherapy, which decomposes bilirubin in the body through blue light irradiation. It is safe and effective for the symptoms. If the bilirubin level is too high or progresses rapidly, it can be combined with exchange transfusion therapy to reduce hemotoxic bilirubin. For hemolytic pathological jaundice, immunoglobulin therapy can be used to neutralize antibodies to reduce hemolytic reactions. In routine care, attention should be paid to providing sufficient breast milk or formula milk to help bilirubin excretion, cleaning the skin and buttocks to reduce irritation, and regular monitoring of the jaundice index in the early stage is particularly important. Mild symptoms of jaundice should also be alert to the deterioration trend.

It is the responsibility of every parent to observe changes in neonatal jaundice. If jaundice appears too early, spreads rapidly, or is accompanied by abnormal symptoms, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid serious consequences such as bilirubin encephalopathy caused by delayed treatment. The doctor will choose the appropriate plan based on the specific situation. Reasonable feeding, attention to changes in jaundice color and dynamic monitoring are important parts of healthy parenting.