Symptoms and hazards of neonatal jaundice

Severe jaundice in a newborn requires immediate medical attention, as it may be a sign of an underlying health problem. Jaundice is common in newborns and is caused by high levels of bilirubin in the body. Usually, mild jaundice is not harmful as the baby gradually clears the bilirubin through the liver. However, when jaundice is severe, it can cause serious problems such as bilirubin encephalopathy or kernicterus, which can damage the newborn's brain.

The symptoms of neonatal jaundice are mainly yellowing of the skin, whites of the eyes and other parts. In severe cases, the baby may show drowsiness, difficulty feeding or abnormal crying. This is because the accumulated bilirubin in the body affects the central nervous system. When parents find that their baby's jaundice does not subside and their mental state is abnormal, they should consult a doctor immediately. The common method of detecting the level of jaundice is to confirm the concentration of bilirubin through skin testing or blood testing.

The symptoms of neonatal jaundice are mainly yellowing of the skin, whites of the eyes and other parts. In severe cases, the baby may show drowsiness, difficulty feeding or abnormal crying. This is because the accumulated bilirubin in the body affects the central nervous system. When parents find that their baby's jaundice does not subside and their mental state is abnormal, they should consult a doctor immediately. The common method of detecting the level of jaundice is to confirm the concentration of bilirubin through skin testing or blood testing.

Early intervention is key when dealing with high levels of jaundice in newborns. Doctors often recommend phototherapy, also known as blue light therapy, to help break down bilirubin so it can be excreted faster. In more severe cases, exchange transfusion may be needed. As a parent, you can also try to breastfeed more often and promote bowel movements to help eliminate bilirubin. However, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions for proper care and follow up regularly to see if the jaundice subsides. If there are more serious symptoms, you should seek medical attention in a timely manner to ensure the healthy growth of your baby.