What is the cause of high jaundice in babies and how to treat it

High jaundice in infants is usually caused by abnormal bilirubin metabolism, which may be related to genetics, environmental factors, physical constitution and pathological conditions. Treatment methods include close observation, phototherapy, drug therapy and special treatment for the cause. Timely detection of high jaundice and receiving treatment is the key to protecting the health of infants.

1 Physiological reasons:

It is normal for most newborns to have mild jaundice after birth, which is called physiological jaundice. The liver of the newborn is not fully developed, and bilirubin cannot be metabolized quickly. In addition, the rapid renewal of red blood cells during the fetal period leads to the accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin. Once the baby's liver function gradually matures, physiological jaundice usually subsides naturally within 2 weeks, and the family only needs to observe closely.

2 Pathological causes:

Pathological jaundice may be caused by the following diseases:

Hemolytic disease: Incompatibility between the mother and the fetus, such as ABO or Rh hemolysis, can lead to increased red blood cell destruction and a rapid increase in bilirubin levels.

Abnormal liver function: If hepatitis B is transmitted from mother to child, it may cause liver damage to the baby.

Biliary atresia or infection: The inability to excrete bile causes worsening jaundice, which may also be accompanied by white stool color and stagnant weight gain.

3 External factors:

Difficult labor or prolonged labor may cause a newborn to have a head hematoma, which releases a large amount of bilirubin during the absorption of the hematoma. Certain components in breast milk may also interfere with bilirubin metabolism, which is called breast milk jaundice.

Treatment recommendations include:

1. Phototherapy: Phototherapy is a common method for treating neonatal jaundice. Through blue light irradiation, unconjugated bilirubin can be decomposed into water-soluble products and then excreted through urine. This method is safe and effective.

2. Blood transfusion therapy: For severe pathological jaundice such as kernicterus, blood transfusion therapy may be required to remove excess bilirubin in time to prevent damage to the brain.

3. Drug treatment: Oral bilirubin adsorbents such as albumin preparations and vitamin K can help lower bilirubin levels. Specific drugs should be used strictly according to the doctor's instructions and avoid self-medication.

4. Breast milk adjustment: For babies with breast milk jaundice, it is recommended to switch to mixed feeding of breast milk and formula milk for a short period of time to observe whether the jaundice is alleviated.

Infant jaundice involves a wide range of factors, ranging from physiological jaundice to serious pathological diseases. Parents need to observe their children on a daily basis and pay attention to changes in the color of jaundice, such as if it spreads to the limbs. If the child shows symptoms such as lethargy, refusal to feed, and irritability, they need to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid delaying the condition.