Question

When a newborn is diagnosed with jaundice in the hospital, the doctor recommends phototherapy. However, the family believes it is a normal phenomenon and expects it to resolve on its own, so they choose to be discharged and go home. One month later, the symptoms of jaundice have not improved. How should neonatal jaundice be treated?

Answer

Neonatal jaundice comes in various types, including physiological jaundice, pathological jaundice, and breastmilk jaundice. If an abnormal condition is detected in the baby, they should be immediately sent to a pediatric hospital for assessment. For physiological jaundice, pharmacological treatment can be adopted; if breastmilk jaundice is suspected, breastfeeding should be temporarily stopped and observed. Pathological jaundice may require inpatient treatment due to the potential for serious consequences if not treated promptly. Parents should closely monitor their baby’s condition and follow the doctor’s professional advice for appropriate treatment.