Question

What is neonatal jaundice? What is the high incidence period for this condition? How should it be handled? If treatment is needed, what tests and treatments should be performed?

Answer

Neonatal jaundice is a common phenomenon, with most infants developing physiological jaundice around 3 days after birth, which typically resolves naturally within 14 days and requires no special treatment, with a good prognosis. However, if jaundice appears within 24 hours of birth, is severe, progresses rapidly, or recurs after fading, it should be considered pathological jaundice. If parents are uncertain about their baby’s condition, it is advisable to bring the child to a hospital for a consultation to avoid delaying the illness. For pathological jaundice, doctors may recommend blood tests and other relevant examinations and develop a treatment plan based on the results.