Question
The newborn developed jaundice on the third day after birth and it has not subsided for 15 days. The face, conjunctiva, and gums are yellow, while the body is not visibly yellow. Stool color is yellow, and urine frequency and color are normal. Is high jaundice in newborns necessarily indicative of pathological jaundice?
Answer
Physiological jaundice refers to an increase in serum bilirubin in newborns 24 hours after birth, with clinical jaundice but no other symptoms, which usually resolves within 1 to 2 weeks. Generally speaking, if jaundice persists for no more than two weeks, it is considered physiological jaundice; if it lasts longer than two weeks, it may be pathological jaundice. Parents should pay attention to keeping the baby’s skin, umbilicus, and buttocks clean to prevent infection. If the newborn’s jaundice does not subside promptly, timely examination and treatment should be conducted, and treatment plans may need to be changed if necessary.