Question
If a newborn has jaundice, does it mean that the condition will naturally return to normal once meconium is excreted?
Answer
Neonatal jaundice can be categorized into physiological and pathological types. Physiological jaundice is usually mild and most often resolves naturally within fourteen days after birth, while premature infants may take up to three to four weeks. During this period, it is recommended to provide the baby with a moderate amount of warm water and allow appropriate sunlight exposure. However, if pathological jaundice is present, the primary task is to identify the cause and actively treat the underlying disease to prevent the occurrence of bilirubin encephalopathy. The recovery time of pathological jaundice is closely related to the underlying disease, so if there is a suspicion of pathological jaundice, medical attention should be sought promptly for professional diagnosis and treatment.