How to distinguish physiological jaundice from pathological jaundice

There are essential differences between physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. For example, the time of onset of jaundice is generally 2-3 months after the birth of the baby, while the latter is at birth. In addition, there are three other differences between physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice.

1. Cause of disease.

Physiological jaundice is mainly affected by three factors: high bilirubin concentration, immature liver function, and immature enterohepatic circulation. There are many causes of pathological jaundice, such as neonatal infection, biliary tract malformation, hypoxia, biliary atresia, acidosis, congenital genetic metabolic diseases, bilirubin excretion disorders, and abnormal enterohepatic circulation.

2. Disease.

The typical symptom of physiological jaundice is jaundice, which is mainly manifested as yellowing of the cheek skin and mild yellowing of the sclera. The symptoms of pathological jaundice are diverse, mainly including yellowing of the skin, yellowing of the sclera, drowsiness, poor response, limb tremors, convulsions, fever, pale complexion, depression, difficulty in sucking, strabismus, etc.

3. Treatment.

Relatively speaking, physiological jaundice is not serious and does not require special treatment. As long as you replenish water and calories appropriately during the jaundice period, the symptoms will gradually ease or subside. Pathological jaundice requires drug treatment, such as the use of immunoglobulin, albumin, phenobarbital, etc., which can relieve jaundice and achieve recovery effects.

The main differences between physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice are these three points, based on which we can make accurate judgments, targeted treatments, and healthy recovery. However, the recovery period of pathological jaundice is longer, and during this period, special attention must be paid to related care, such as avoiding infection, avoiding drug abuse, strengthening personal hygiene, and healthy diet. Doing these can help treatment and promote recovery from the disease. After the disease has recovered for a period of time, you must also pay attention to the doctor's advice to avoid repeated attacks of jaundice and harm to your health.