Question
The newborn developed jaundice symptoms on the seventh day after birth. The local regular hospital tested the jaundice index to be 19.4, and the doctor said the condition was quite severe. Is a newborn jaundice index of 38 considered severe?
Answer
Newborn jaundice can be classified into physiological and pathological types. Physiological jaundice usually only manifests as slightly yellowed skin and occasionally reduced appetite, with slightly weaker eating ability. However, if pathological jaundice symptoms are severe, the child may exhibit symptoms such as a languid mental state, drowsiness that is hard to wake up, screaming, disappearance of embracing and suckling reflexes, and arching of the body, as well as twitching of the corners of the mouth. If diagnosed with pathological jaundice, it is recommended to receive timely medication treatment.