How to treat neonatal jaundice

If neonatal jaundice is too high, timely intervention is required. Common treatments include light therapy, drug therapy, and exchange transfusion therapy. At the same time, parents need to cooperate closely with doctors to monitor changes in jaundice and ensure the health of the newborn.

1) Light therapy

Light therapy is the first choice for neonatal jaundice. Through blue light irradiation, bilirubin molecules are broken down into water-soluble products, which are then excreted through feces or urine. During treatment, care should be taken to protect the eyes and reproductive parts of the newborn, and the distance and posture of the light source should be adjusted regularly to avoid overheating or dehydration of the skin. Light therapy is superior to many drug treatments and is an effective choice for most mild to moderate jaundice.

2) Drug treatment

For jaundice caused by certain reasons, doctors may recommend specific drug interventions. For example, drugs that promote the decomposition of bilirubin (such as phenobarbital) can be used to accelerate liver metabolism. For severe jaundice caused by hemolytic diseases, immunoglobulin therapy may need to be tried to reduce the effects of antibodies in the blood. Drug treatment must be carried out under the guidance of a doctor to prevent improper use.

3) Exchange transfusion therapy

When jaundice levels are extremely high and there is a risk of severe bilirubin encephalopathy, exchange transfusion is the last option. By removing some of the high-bilirubin blood and replacing it with healthy blood, bilirubin levels can be quickly lowered and the critical situation can be relieved. Exchange transfusion is risky and needs to be performed in the neonatal intensive care unit with close monitoring of vital signs.

For neonatal jaundice, the treatment method should be selected according to the severity of jaundice and the cause of the disease. Timely breastfeeding after delivery and ensuring adequate fluid intake to promote defecation and urination of newborns can help prevent and relieve jaundice. If jaundice continues to worsen, medical treatment should be sought as soon as possible to avoid delaying treatment.