Question
My baby was born five days ago. This morning, I noticed that she has been running a fever and her face looks particularly yellow. The doctor said it’s jaundice. I’d like to ask what causes neonatal jaundice? How should jaundice be treated? Will this condition recur? How can it be avoided?
Answer
Neonatal jaundice is caused by an abnormal metabolism of bilirubin. The accumulation of bilirubin in the blood leads to yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera. Diagnosis primarily relies on clinical symptoms and laboratory tests for bilirubin levels. Physiological jaundice is a natural process of neonatal growth and development and does not recur. Full-term infants may develop jaundice 2-3 days after birth, which usually subsides within 5-7 days after birth and does not exceed 2 weeks. Pathological jaundice may appear within 24 hours after birth, with more severe levels, rapid progression, and a longer duration or recurrence after remission. Treatment methods vary depending on individual circumstances and can include phototherapy, medication, and plasma exchange. For physiological jaundice, no special treatment is usually required; it’s just necessary to maintain adequate feeding and urination. To prevent recurrence and avoid jaundice, measures include timely regular newborn screenings, ensuring adequate breastfeeding, avoiding excessive medication and exposure to harmful substances, as well as paying attention to the baby’s daily care and health management.