Disease
Neonatal Jaundice
Overview of Neonatal Jaundice
Neonatal jaundice is a common condition in newborns where the skin and eyes appear yellow due to a buildup of bilirubin. It is typically caused by the liver’s inability to process bilirubin efficiently during the early days of life. Though most cases resolve on their own, severe jaundice can lead to complications if left untreated.
Types of Neonatal Jaundice
- Physiological Jaundice: Common in newborns, typically appearing 2–3 days after birth and resolving within a week.
- Breastfeeding Jaundice: Occurs when the baby doesn’t get enough milk, leading to dehydration and higher bilirubin levels.
- Breast Milk Jaundice: Caused by substances in breast milk that can affect bilirubin processing, usually seen after the first week.
- Pathological Jaundice: Results from underlying health issues like blood incompatibility, liver disease, or infection, requiring medical intervention.
Symptoms of Neonatal Jaundice
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (icterus)
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Poor feeding
- Lethargy
- High bilirubin levels in blood tests
Causes of Neonatal Jaundice
- Immature liver: The liver of newborns is not fully developed to efficiently process bilirubin.
- Blood type incompatibility: Differences between the baby’s and mother’s blood types can lead to red blood cell destruction.
- Prematurity: Premature infants often have a higher risk due to their underdeveloped liver function.
- Infections: Infections like sepsis or urinary tract infections can increase the risk.
Complications in Neonatal Jaundice
- Kernicterus: A rare but serious form of brain damage caused by very high bilirubin levels.
- Developmental delays: If bilirubin levels are not managed, there may be long-term developmental issues.
Risk Factors of Neonatal Jaundice
- Premature birth: Premature babies have a higher chance of developing jaundice.
- Blood type incompatibility: If the mother and baby have different blood types.
- Poor feeding or dehydration: Insufficient milk intake can lead to higher bilirubin levels.
Preventions of Neonatal Jaundice
- Proper breastfeeding: Ensure that the baby feeds well to avoid dehydration.
- Monitor bilirubin levels: Regular checkups and bilirubin tests during the first few days of life.
- Phototherapy: Early treatment with light therapy to help break down excess bilirubin.
Diagnosis of Neonatal Jaundice
- Physical examination: Doctors assess the yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Bilirubin blood test: A test to measure the bilirubin levels in the blood.
- Coombs test: To check for blood type incompatibility.
Treatments of Neonatal Jaundice
- Phototherapy: The most common treatment, where the baby is exposed to special blue light to break down excess bilirubin.
- Exchange transfusion: In severe cases, where bilirubin levels are dangerously high, the baby may need a blood transfusion to remove excess bilirubin.
- Hydration and feeding support: Ensuring the baby is well-hydrated and receives proper nutrition can help in mild cases.
Prognosis of Neonatal Jaundice
- Mild jaundice: Usually resolves within a week with proper feeding and monitoring.
- Severe jaundice: If treated early, the prognosis is excellent, with most babies recovering fully without long-term effects.
Care at MyhealthMydoctor
- Expert pediatric care: Our experienced pediatric team offers personalized care for newborns with jaundice.
- Advanced phototherapy: We use state-of-the-art phototherapy equipment to ensure rapid bilirubin reduction.
- Frequent monitoring: Regular checkups and bilirubin tests to ensure safe bilirubin levels.
- Parental guidance: We provide clear instructions for parents on proper feeding and care during treatment.
Some Important Questions Patients Should Ask Their Doctor During a Consultation
- What is causing my baby’s jaundice?
- How can I help reduce bilirubin levels in my baby?
- Will jaundice affect my baby’s long-term health?
- Should I stop breastfeeding my baby if they have jaundice?
- How often should I monitor my baby’s bilirubin levels?
- Can jaundice in newborns be prevented completely?
What Patients Expect from Doctors During Consultation?
- Thorough Assessment: Expect a comprehensive evaluation of your baby’s jaundice and bilirubin levels.
- Clear Explanation: You will receive clear explanations of jaundice, its causes, and potential risks.
- Treatment Options: Your doctor will discuss the best treatment options based on your baby’s condition.
- Ongoing Support: Expect ongoing monitoring and follow-up care for your baby’s recovery.