Question
My baby has been born for over a week now, and the whole body has been yellowish. The doctor at the hospital said it’s baby jaundice, which is nothing to worry about. Does baby jaundice require hospitalization and intravenous treatment? I want to ask if baby jaundice needs to be treated with shots?
Answer
Jaundice is caused by an elevated bilirubin level in the blood, leading to yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera. Jaundice is most common in newborns. It can be categorized as physiological or pathological. Physiological jaundice usually does not require special treatment, while pathological jaundice may necessitate blue light therapy to reduce the yellowing. Intravenous treatment is just one method of treatment, and if other complications arise, intravenous treatment may be used. Regarding whether shots are needed, please consult with your doctor.