Question
When a newborn is found to have a high bilirubin level at birth, and after several days of medication treatment, the retest shows a decrease in the index. Is it a sign of improvement if the face color changes from yellow to red-yellow when the newborn’s jaundice is severe? Should medication still be continued to stabilize the treatment effect?
Answer
Firstly, consider whether the newborn’s jaundice is physiological. If the degree of jaundice is not severe, it can usually be naturally resolved within two weeks. If the jaundice is more severe or persists, it may be pathological jaundice, which requires hospitalization for treatment. If there are no other complications, the symptoms described should be considered physiological jaundice. It is recommended to pay attention to the newborn’s warmth, feed appropriately in advance, ensure adequate intake of water and heat energy, and expel meconium as soon as possible to reduce bilirubin levels.